Italy could break with its usual financial limits in a bid to appoint Pep Guardiola as the next head coach, with Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malago confirming that special salary arrangements are being considered.
The former Manchester City manager has held talks with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) over the vacant position, with his potential salary emerging as one of the key issues in negotiations.
Italy consider financial flexibility
Speaking to Italian digital sports outlet Cronache di Spogliatoio, Malago admitted that the federation may be prepared to make an exception to its financial policy to secure Guardiola’s services.
“[Financial] Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.”
He, however, cautioned that an agreement is far from guaranteed.
“Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through.”
Recall Italy have been searching for a new manager since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Guardiola leads shortlist
While Guardiola has become the standout candidate, Malago said the federation is evaluating several high-profile coaches.
Former Italy boss Roberto Mancini, who led the Azzurri to the Euro 2020 title, and ex-Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo, now in charge of Dubai United, are also under consideration.
Asked whether the trio were the only names on the shortlist, Malago said:
“Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category.”
Guardiola left Manchester City at the end of last season after a trophy-laden 10-year spell in which he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the UEFA Champions League.
The 55-year-old has never coached in Italy but spent two seasons in Serie A with Brescia and Roma between 2001 and 2003 and is fluent in Italian.
If appointed, Guardiola would make a swift return to management, with Italy seemingly willing to stretch its finances to land one of football’s most decorated coaches.