Italian FA says financial exceptions may be considered to appoint Pep Guardiola

Giovanni Malagò, president of the Italian Football Federation, has confirmed that Pep Guardiola has held talks about the possibility of becoming Italy’s head coach. Malagò also said that financial exceptions could be made in relation to such an appointment.

The development was reported on 2026-07-22T10:12:58.0000000Z, when Malagò addressed enquiries about potential candidates for the national team job. He acknowledged that discussions involving Guardiola have taken place and framed the negotiation as one that could require unusual financial measures. The statement came from the federation’s president rather than from the coach himself.

Malagò’s confirmation makes clear that the idea of Guardiola leading the national side has moved beyond speculation into formal conversation. He characterized the talks as having occurred between the parties concerned, without setting out a timetable or indicating that any agreement has been reached. The federation’s willingness to contemplate financial exceptions was presented as part of the same announcement.

The news highlights the federation’s engagement in active discussions to fill the Italy head coach vacancy. Malagò’s comments were the principal source for the report, and they establish that Guardiola has been part of those talks. No details about contract terms or the precise nature of any proposed financial arrangements were provided in Malagò’s remarks.

While the president confirmed that conversations have taken place and that exceptional financial provisions might be entertained, the situation remains at the stage of dialogue as described by the federation. The confirmation from Malagò represents the federation’s public acknowledgment of Guardiola’s involvement in talks about the Italy role. Further developments would depend on subsequent discussions between the parties.