Guardiola in talks to become Italy head coach, FIGC president confirms

Pep Guardiola has held talks about becoming Italy head coach, Italian Football Federation president Giovanni Malago has confirmed. Guardiola left Manchester City this summer after 10 trophy-laden years in England, during which he won 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. broadcaster Italia first reported contact between the FIGC and the 55-year-old on Monday. In an interview with Cronache di spogliatoio, Malago confirmed talks had been held with the Spaniard and suggested financial rules could be bent to land him. "Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola," said Malago. "Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through." Another former Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini — who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory five years ago — and former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, currently managing Dubai United, are also being considered. Asked if those three were the only candidates, Malago replied: "Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category." Italy's men's national team has been managed by an Italian throughout its history except for two occasions. Hungarian Lajos Czeizler was part of a technical committee in the 1950s and Argentine great Helenio Herrera was co-manager in the 1960s. Guardiola has never managed in Italy but speaks fluent Italian and spent two seasons playing in Serie A with Brescia and Roma from 2001 to 2003. If appointed, it would mean a swift return to the dugout after his time at City ended in May. At the time he said: "I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired."