TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Failing to qualify for the World Cup for three successive editions, Italy is in a bit of crisis. The Azzurri have been without a head coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned earlier this year in April. A couple of names came up as possible candidates, with Pep Guardiola at the center.
Earlier, Sky Sports reported that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has been in talks with the former Manchester City coach to convince him to take on the Azzurro project. FIGC officials Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo met Guardiola over three days, explaining the plan for Italy's national team moving forward.
The federation said it is willing to make exceptional adjustments to its budget in order to hire Guardiola. "In the short to medium term, saying we need to tighten our belts is an understatement. However, exceptions have been made, which may concern the name that is so dominant these days," said Italian FA president Giovanni Malago, as quoted from Sky Sports on Friday, July 24, referring to Pep Guardiola.
Despite this, Guardiola's reported salary request of 20 million euros per season reportedly complicated the negotiations, according to beIN Sports.
This figure would approximately double what Italy was prepared to pay, but still, the Catalan coach remains the favored candidate to head Paolo Maldini's and Leonardo's vision for the Azzurri.
Will Guardiola Accept the Role?
Pep Guardiola departed Manchester City at the end of last season after a 10-year successful run, delivering six Premier League titles, the Champions League and 20 major trophies in total.
This leaves him one of the most sought-after managerial figures in football, and where he will be going next has been under immense scrutiny.
But even before his tenure with City ended, Guardiola had revealed his plan to "step back" from football, citing his desire to spend more time with his family.
"No plans for [coaching] for a while. Otherwise I would be here. I need to step back. I will not [coach] for a while," he said during his final Manchester City press conference.
This, coupled with the alleged substantial salary demand, raises speculations of whether the talks with FIGC will amount to anything.
"It's not a given that this [talks with Guardiola] will come to fruition, but I believe it was right and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive," said Malago while speaking at the Cronache di Spogliatoio podcast, as quoted from ESPN.
If Not Guardiola, Who Else is Italy Considering?
After Guardiola, the next name on the list of preferred candidates would reportedly be Andrea Pirlo, who helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup as a player.
Former Italy coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte would also be among the potential candidates, as they possess extensive knowledge of Italian soccer.
It was also revealed on Thursday that FIGC first approached former Italy player and current Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti before speaking to Guardiola.
"We cannot hide the fact that we also spoke to Carlo before talking to Pep," said Maldini during a news conference, as quoted from The Guardian, adding that they felt it was right "to start with the best in the world, to see their general availability."
Ancelotti extended his contract with Brazil in May for the 2030 World Cup, and will remain in charge despite this year's World Cup round of 16 at the hands of Norway.
Read: Man City to Build Guardiola Statue, Rename Stand in His Honour