Italy are awaiting Pep Guardiola’s final decision after the former Manchester City boss reportedly requested a €20m annual salary to become the Azzurri’s next head coach.
Italy’s talks with Pep Guardiola has reached a crucial stage, with the former Manchester City manager expected to deliver a definitive response on the national team job by the early part of next week.
Guardiola left Manchester City earlier this summer after an extraordinary 10-year spell filled with domestic and European success. Since his departure, he has emerged as one of the Italian Football Federation’s dream candidates to succeed as Italy’s next head coach.
Alongside Guardiola, several other high-profile names have been linked with the vacant position, including Antonio Conte, Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo, as the Azzurri continue their search for a new leader.
According to reports, recently appointed FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini and advisor Leonardo travelled to Barcelona last weekend to hold direct talks with Guardiola in an effort to convince him to take charge of the four-time world champions.
However, negotiations have reportedly been complicated by Guardiola’s salary demands. Reports claim the Spaniard is seeking around €20 million per season, a figure well above what the Italian federation is prepared to offer.
FIGC president Giovanni Malagò recently admitted that the federation would be willing to make financial exceptions for a coach of Guardiola’s stature. Even so, Italy are understood to be unable to stretch beyond approximately €10 million annually, leaving a significant gap between the two parties.
Time is also becoming a major factor in the negotiations. Guardiola is expected to provide his final decision by Tuesday, the same day the FIGC’s next federal council meeting is scheduled to take place.
