FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has asserted that the wages for Pep Guardiola as Italy’s national team coach would be considered ‘an exception’ to the current budget; however, he cautioned that ‘there’s no guarantee this will go through’ as other candidates are also being evaluated.

The discussions surrounding Guardiola intensified over the past two days, with Italy’s technical director Paolo Maldini and his special advisor Leonardo traveling to Barcelona for a weekend of talks with Guardiola.

Advertisement

The delegation is making a genuine effort to convince the former Manchester City man to take the job leading the Nazionale.

While it was initially believed that the cost of his salary would make the move unlikely, Malagò has hinted that a possibility exists.

Guardiola Contact an Exception for Italy

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“There are certain financial aspects to be considered, and it’s an understatement to say we’d have to grit our teeth for this,” the Federation President told Cronache di Spogliatoio and Gazzetta dello Sport.

Advertisement

“Some exceptions have been made, for example exceptions that regard the name making such waves at the moment: Pep Guardiola.”

“I don’t need to sit here and explain the obvious reasons why he’d be an exception, but that is also no guarantee that this will go through.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, acknowledges the fans after the team’s victory during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on April 27, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The efforts by Maldini and Leonardo to meet Guardiola in person reflect a significant direction for the Italian national team’s future.

Advertisement

“I think it was right and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive.”

Antonio Conte has stated that he has not been approached regarding the Italy position, suggesting the search may involve different characteristics in candidates.

“It is certainly not a lack of respect towards other people, because there has already been a discussion with others, and one can opt for someone who is perhaps of a more recent school of thought, so it’s a very subjective matter.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, gives the team instructions during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Advertisement

So, does this mean the candidate list is narrowed down to just Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo, and Roberto Mancini? Malagò answered, “Absolutely not, we are thinking about a certain profile, and these names are definitely within that category.”