President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Giovanni Malago says salary exceptions could be made by the financially hamstrung body to sign Pep Guardiola.
He said this while confirming the Italian Federation’s approach to sign the former Manchester City coach to replace Gennaro Gattuso as head coach of the four time World Champions.
Italy’s National Men’s Football Team has failed to qualify to the FIFA World Cup in the past three editions including the 2026 edition that had Bosnia and Herzegovina qualify at their expense.
Speaking on the Cronache di Spogliatoio Podcast, Giovanni Malago added that the Federation was in talks with other coaches for the vacant role including former Juventus head coach Andrea Pirlo.
“This [talks with Guardiola] is by no means a lack of respect towards other candidates, with whom discussions have already begun.”
“There are also financial and budgetary considerations. In the short to medium term, to say that we’ll have to tighten our belts is an understatement. However, some exceptions have been made” he said.
When asked if such “exception” candidates included Pep Guardiola, Malago said “Yes”. Pep Guardiola played in the Italian Serie A for Brescia as a player.
