The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) are in talks to appoint Pep Guardiola as their national team's new manager, just two months after he waved goodbye to Manchester City07:21, 22 Jul 2026The president of the FIGC has confirmed that they've held talks with Pep Guardiola over becoming Italy's new manager - even though they'd need to make 'exceptions' for his wages. Guardiola, 55, is currently out of work for the first time in 10 years after stepping down as Manchester City boss in May.‌Despite never having worked in international management, the Catalan has often spoken about his desire to coach at a World Cup, European Championship or Copa America. After failing to qualify for a third successive World Cup this summer, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) are searching for a new manager who can transform their national team.‌Guardiola is among their top targets, with it being reported over the weekend that new Italy technical director Paolo Maldini and his special advisor, Leonardo, flew to Barcelona for talks with the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss. FIGC president Giovanni Malago confirmed this in an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio and Gazzetta dello Sport.‌"There are certain financial aspects to be considered, and it's an understatement to say we'd have to grit our teeth for this," Malago explained. "Some exceptions have been made, for example exceptions that regard the name making such waves at the moment: Pep Guardiola.FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Follow our Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page"I don't need to sit here and explain the obvious reasons why he'd be an exception, but that is also no guarantee that this will go through." Malago added: "I think it was right and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive."‌Guardiola reportedly earned an eye-watering £20million per year at City. That's a far cry from the modest £680,000 salary which Gennaro Gattuso signed up to before his departure in May following Italy's World Cup play-off failure.Malago was also quizzed on ex-Azzurri boss Antonio Conte, who recently said that hadn't been contacted regarding the vacancy. The chief replied: "It is certainly not a lack of respect towards other people, because there has already been a discussion with others, and one can opt for someone who is perhaps of a more recent school of thought, so it’s a very subjective matter."Should Pep Guardiola take the Italy job? Have your say in the comments section.‌Malago was then asked if Guardiola, Andrea Pirlo and another former Italy manager in Roberto Mancini were the remaining candidates. "Absolutely not," he affirmed. "We are thinking about a certain profile, and these names are definitely within that category."Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Article continues belowContent cannot be displayed without consent