Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago confirmed talks with Pep Guardiola about becoming Italy head coach. Guardiola left Manchester City this summer after 10 successful years, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League.

Italy have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April following the country's failure to qualify for a third World Cup in a row. Malago said "exceptions" could be made for Guardiola's salary, though "it is not certain that this thing will go through." Other candidates include Roberto Mancini, who guided Italy to Euro 2020 glory, and Andrea Pirlo.

Italy's national team has historically been managed by Italians except for two occasions in the 1950s-60s. Guardiola speaks fluent Italian and played in Serie A from 2001-2003 with Brescia and Roma. If appointed, it would be a quick return after he said in May: "I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired."