The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is currently navigating a high-stakes search for a new national team head coach, with recent reports from Sky Sport detailing high-level contact with Pep Guardiola. While FIGC officials Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have explored the feasibility of hiring the Manchester City manager, significant financial and contractual barriers persist, keeping the appointment of a top-tier international candidate unlikely under current budgetary constraints.
The Financial Hurdles Facing the FIGC
The primary obstacle to securing a high-profile coach like Guardiola is the sheer scale of his current compensation. According to reports, Guardiola earns approximately 24.8 million euros gross annually at Manchester City. Beyond the salary, he remains under contract as a global ambassador for the City Football Group, complicating any potential move to the international stage.
FIGC President Giovanni Malagò addressed these fiscal realities, noting that the federation must balance the desire for a “big name” with the limitations of their existing budget. Malagò stated that the federation has already accounted for the departure of former coach Gennaro Gattuso’s salary, but any move for a high-earning manager would require external support. “The Lega Serie A and sponsors are willing to help us if we choose a coach with a heavier economic weight,” Malagò explained, while clarifying that such financial maneuvering would likely not impact the budget until the 2027 fiscal year.
Maldini, Leonardo, and the Search for a Modern Identity
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo have been tasked with identifying a successor who can define the next four years of Italian football. Their search has moved beyond established figures, focusing on candidates who embody a modern tactical vision. While Guardiola remains an aspirational target, the focus has shifted toward figures like Andrea Pirlo, whom the technical directors view as an ideal fit for a structural revolution within the national team.
The selection process is marked by a collaborative effort between the technical leadership and the FIGC presidency. Malagò has explicitly denied reports of friction between himself and the technical directors, stating that the new coach will be the result of a shared decision-making process. This represents a departure from traditional federative procedures, where the presidency often exerted more unilateral control.
Upcoming Deadlines and the Path to Appointment
The roadmap for the appointment is accelerating, with a decisive meeting scheduled for Thursday involving the Lega Serie A Assembly. During this session, Maldini and Leonardo are expected to present their reform programs to club presidents. The timing is critical; with the federation aiming to finalize the appointment quickly, the upcoming assembly could prove to be the deciding factor in the selection process.
While the candidacy of Roberto Mancini has been noted for its alignment with the federation’s existing DNA, the technical team is pushing for a fresh start. Malagò has teased the possibility of a surprise candidate, suggesting that the final choice may deviate from the names currently circulating in the media. As the federation nears its decision, the focus remains on finding a balance between tactical innovation and the economic realities of the Italian game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pep Guardiola going to be the next Italy coach?
According to reports from Sky Sport, while contact was made, the move remains unlikely due to Guardiola’s high salary and his ongoing contractual obligations with the City Football Group.
Who is currently leading the search for the new coach?
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, in their roles as technical director and president of Club Italia, are heading the search for a new head coach.
When will the new coach be announced?
The FIGC has indicated that a decision is imminent, with significant developments expected following the Lega Serie A Assembly meeting on Thursday.
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