Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago has confirmed that Pep Guardiola has held talks over becoming the next head coach of the Italian national team.
According to Malago, Guardiola is being considered as the central figure in an ambitious “Azzurro project” aimed at rebuilding Italian football following the country’s failure to qualify for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on the development, Malago acknowledged the challenges facing Italian football and hinted that the federation could make an exception to secure a coach of Guardiola’s calibre.
“In the short to medium term, saying we need to tighten our belts is an understatement,” Malago said. “However, exceptions have been made, which may concern the name that is so dominant these days.”
If appointed, Guardiola would lead Italy’s efforts to restore the national team’s status among football’s elite after one of the country’s most disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns.
