Italy National Team Wants Pep Guardiola But Faces Big Money Problems

Italy's football team wants to hire Pep Guardiola, a famous coach. His salary costs much more than they have, so they need help from sponsors.
By Newsroom | Football, Italy |

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The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) faces a significant financial hurdle in its reported pursuit of Pep Guardiola as the next manager of the national team. Reports suggest that Guardiola's salary demands are currently beyond the FIGC's budget, necessitating potential sponsorship involvement to make any offer feasible. This echoes past scenarios, such as the arrangement made for Antonio Conte's tenure.

Guardiola Reportedly a Dream Target for Italy Opening - 1

The prospect of Pep Guardiola taking the helm of the Italian national team has surfaced as a surprising development, following a period of profound disappointment for the Azzurri. With Italy failing to qualify for a third consecutive men's World Cup, the national team is navigating a significant leadership vacuum and seeking a radical overhaul. The resignation of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina amidst the fallout further underscores the depth of the current crisis.

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Guardiola Reportedly a Dream Target for Italy Opening - 2

Sources indicate that Guardiola himself is "open to listening" to a proposal from the FIGC. This openness stems, in part, from his personal history with Italy, having played for clubs like Brescia and Roma. Furthermore, he has previously expressed a long-held ambition to manage a national team on the international stage before concluding his coaching career. His track record boasts a remarkable collection of over 40 major trophies, including three Champions League titles, accumulated during his highly successful stints with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.

However, obstacles remain beyond the financial aspect. Guardiola currently has another year remaining on his contract with Manchester City. The election of a new president for the FIGC, set to occur on June 22, is also a key event that will shape the future direction of Italian football administration and, potentially, the pursuit of a new national team manager.

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The vacancy arose after Gennaro Gattuso's departure, which followed Italy's elimination from qualification contention. Despite the allure of a manager with Guardiola's pedigree, some internal discussions within Italian football circles reportedly consider Napoli coach Antonio Conte and Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri as more immediate frontrunners for the role. The appointment of a foreign coach, which Guardiola would represent, would mark a significant paradigm shift for a national team that has historically been managed by Italians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Italy's national football team want Pep Guardiola as manager?
Italy's national team is looking for a new manager after recent failures. Pep Guardiola is a very successful coach and has expressed interest in managing a national team.
Q: Can Italy's football team afford Pep Guardiola's salary?
No, reports say Pep Guardiola's salary demands are too high for the Italian Football Federation's current budget. They might need sponsors to help pay him.
Q: What is Pep Guardiola's history with Italy?
Pep Guardiola played in Italy for clubs like Brescia and Roma. He has also spoken about wanting to manage a national team before retiring from coaching.
Q: What other managers are being considered for Italy's national team?
Besides Pep Guardiola, other names being discussed include Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri, who currently manage Napoli and Juventus.
Q: When will Italy's football federation choose a new president?
A new president for the Italian Football Federation will be elected on June 22. This election could affect who they hire as the national team manager.