Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò confirmed that Pep Guardiola is among the undergo candidates being considered for the vacant head coach position. The Azzurri have been without a coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned after the April World Cup playoff loss to Bosnia‑Herzegovina that saw Italy miss out on a third consecutive men’s World Cup.

Malagò said the federation would be willing to make a financial sacrifice to bring Guardiola, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester City earlier this summer. “It’s not a given that talks with Guardiola will come to fruition, but I believe it was right and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive,” he told the Cronache di Spogliatoio podcast.

He added that discussions are already underway with other candidates and that adding Guardiola would not detract from the process. Budgetary constraints mean tightening belts is necessary, but the federation can make exceptions for a name that is so dominant at the moment. Asked if he was referring to Guardiola, he said: “Yes.”

Guardiola, 55, has expressed a desire to coach a national team at a major tournament before retiring. He has won 41 major trophies, including three Champions Leagues, and has led Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Sources say his talks with the FIGC were brief and that he may take a sabbatical after leaving City.

Other names on the table include former Italy coach Roberto Mancini, great Andrea Pirlo, Paolo Maldini and Leonardo in technical‑director and advisor roles. The federation remains open to a range of profiles and will continue the search.