Pep Guardiola is in talks about becoming the next Italy coach, with the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) revealing that financial exceptions are being made to try to secure a deal. Guardiola brought the curtain down on a 10-year spell as Manchester City manager in May.The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss has never managed a national team, though he reportedly had an agreement with England in 2024 before changing his mind.Italy are looking for a new coach after missing out on a third successive World Cup, the Azzurri failing to qualify for the 2026 tournament after losing a play-off final to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties.Another former City manager, Roberto Mancini, is also in the running. Mancini led Italy to glory in Euro 2020. Meanwhile, former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is under consideration despite his coaching career, which has seen spells with Juventus and Sampdoria, featuring little success to this point.Guardiola is the standout name, but FIGC president Giovanni Malago stressed that him succeeding Gennaro Gattuso is no guarantee.Malago told Cronache di Spogliatoio: Its not a given that this will come to fruition, but I believe it was right and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive.This [talks with Guardiola] is by no means a lack of respect towards other candidates, with whom discussions have already begun, and adding another name would in no way detract from the process.There are also financial and budgetary considerations. In the short to medium term, to say that well have to tighten our belts is an understatement. However, some exceptions have been made, which may relate to the name that is so dominant at the moment: Pep Guardiola.Asked if Guardiola, Mancini and Pirlo are the only candidates for the vacant role, Malago replied: Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category.Having watched Spain win the 2026 World Cup from afar, Italy will return to action in September when they face Belgium in the UEFA Nations League. The Azzurri have been drawn in a difficult group that also features France and Turkey. Topics Italy National Football Team Pep Guardiola Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Guardiola holds talks with Italy and considers swift return to football management Jon Fisher 20th July, 2026 England manager favourite Guardiola reveals what would tempt him back: I have a real connection with the UK Ben Miller 17th July, 2026 Enzo Maresca: Man City confirm former Chelsea manager will succeed Pep Guardiola at 10-time Premier League champions Mitch Fretton 29th June, 2026 International round-up: Denmark game abandoned ater Eriksen collapse as Italy and Norway also in action Mitch Fretton 7th June, 2026 The best XI of players missing the 2026 World Cup Mitch Fretton 4th June, 2026 World Cup warm-ups: Algeria strike late to beat Netherlands Tom Rostance 3rd June, 2026
