News, goals, and analysis – only on the official A BOLA app. The president of the Italian Football Federation, Giovanni Malagò, admitted to negotiations with Pep Guardiola for the national team manager position, emphasizing that financial aspects will not be a barrier. In statements to Cronache di spogliatoio, Malagò confirmed the contacts with the Spanish coach, something he had previously avoided discussing. The federation leader highlighted the need to choose the next manager in conjunction with technical director Maldini and acknowledged the financial difficulties, stating that ‘to say we need to tighten our belts is an understatement’ given the ‘financial aspects and the super budget’ involved. However, the FIGC president opened the door to making an extra effort for a high-profile name. ‘Exceptions have been made, exceptions that, for example, may relate to the name that is currently being mentioned so strongly: Pep Guardiola. Exceptions for obvious reasons that I will not explain here, but it is not guaranteed that this will materialize,’ he stated. Malagò defended the importance of keeping conversations active with the Spanish coach. ‘I believe it was, in any case, correct and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive, keep it warm,’ he explained, assuring that this approach does not disrespect other candidates. ‘It is absolutely not a lack of respect or consideration for other individuals, because dialogue with others has already begun,’ he added. The president also clarified that the choice is not limited to Guardiola, Pirlo, and Mancini. ‘Not at all. We are thinking of a specific profile, and certainly, these names fit into that category,’ he concluded.
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