Guardiola salary would be ‘exceptional strain’ on Italy budget, FA chief admits

Pep Guardiola’s proposed salary to become Italy head coach would be a financial “exception” and a major stretch for the federation’s budget – and there is still no guarantee a deal will be struck, the president of the Italian Football Federation has warned.

Giovanni Malago confirmed that the Italian federation is prepared to go beyond its usual financial limits to tempt the former Manchester City manager, but stressed talks remain at a delicate stage and nothing has been agreed.

The comments come after intense speculation in Italy that technical director Paolo Maldini and his adviser Leonardo flew to Barcelona over the weekend for face‐to‐face talks with Guardiola about leading a new Azzurri project.

Financial ‘exception’ for Guardiola

Guardiola’s wage demands had long been seen as the main obstacle to any agreement with the Italian national team. Malago’s remarks, carried by the website Football Italia, indicate the federation is now willing to bend its own rules to pursue him.

“There are certain financial aspects that obviously have to be considered, and saying that we would have to put pressure on ourselves financially to cover them is actually an understatement,” Malago said.

He acknowledged that Guardiola would be treated differently from other candidates because of his stature in the game.

“There are some exceptions that can be made, and they are exceptions related to the name that is causing all this debate at the moment: Pep Guardiola. I don’t need to explain the obvious reasons that make him an exception, but that doesn’t mean there are any guarantees that it will happen,” he added.

Maldini and Leonardo’s Barcelona mission

Reports in Italy over the past 48 hours have focused on Maldini and Leonardo’s trip to Barcelona, described as a series of intensive meetings with Guardiola during the weekend break.

Observers see the personal pitch from Maldini – one of Italy’s most iconic former captains – as a strong signal of the federation’s direction as it tries to overhaul the national team’s structure and identity.

Malago backed the decision to engage Guardiola directly.

“I think it was right and very important to open a dialogue and keep it alive,” he said, suggesting that maintaining contact is a strategic priority even if an agreement is not yet in sight.

Conte not contacted as Italy seek ‘more modern’ profile

Malago also addressed questions about why former Italy coach Antonio Conte has not been formally approached, and whether this means the federation is seeking a different type of manager.

He insisted this was not a snub to Conte or other Italian candidates.

“The matter does not involve any lack of respect for others, as discussions have indeed been held with other names, and we may move towards an option that belongs to a more modern school of thought, which is something that is subject to personal judgement,” Malago explained.

His comments will be interpreted as a sign that the federation wants a coach known for progressive, possession-based football – a profile that matches Guardiola more closely than some of his Italian contemporaries.

Shortlist wider than Guardiola, Pirlo and Mancini

Speculation in the Italian media has suggested a shortlist focused on Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo and Roberto Mancini. Malago, however, insisted the search is not limited to those three.

Asked if the choice had narrowed to Guardiola, Pirlo and Mancini, he replied: “Of course not, we are thinking about specific characteristics for the coach, and these names certainly fall into that category.”

The federation is understood to be assessing managers who can lead a long-term rebuilding project, refresh Italy’s style of play and work closely with Maldini’s new technical structure.

While Guardiola remains the standout target, Malago’s repeated references to financial strain and lack of guarantees underline how complex any agreement would be. For now, the Azzurri’s pursuit of one of world football’s most coveted coaches remains an ambitious, high‐risk – and far from certain – endeavour.