Pep Guardiola has officially entered discussions regarding the head coach position for the Italy national team, as confirmed by Giovanni Malago, the president of the Italian Football Federation. This comes after Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City this summer, where he enjoyed a decade of remarkable success, securing:

• 6 Premier League titles
• 3 FA Cups
• 5 League Cups
• 1 Champions League

Since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April, following Italy's failure to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup, the national team has been without a head coach. Reports from Sky Italia first indicated contact between the FIGC and the 55-year-old coach on Monday.

In an interview with Cronache di spogliatoio, Malago acknowledged that conversations have taken place and mentioned that "exceptions" regarding Guardiola's salary could be on the table. He stated, "[Financial] Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola."

However, he clarified that it is not certain the negotiations will conclude successfully. Other candidates for the role include former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to victory in Euro 2020, and former midfielder Andrea Pirlo, currently managing Dubai United.

When asked if Guardiola, Mancini, and Pirlo are the only candidates, Malago responded, "Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category."

Historically, Italy's men's national team has been managed by Italians, with only two exceptions. Guardiola, who has never managed in Italy, speaks fluent Italian and played in Serie A from 2001 to 2003 with Brescia and Roma. If appointed, it would mark a swift return to coaching after his tenure at City ended in May, when he expressed feeling "so tired" after a decade of incredible memories.