Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to reject Italy despite ‘financial exceptions’ having been made in an attempt to attract the legendary Manchester City boss.
Guardiola is currently out of work after leaving City at the end of last season following 10 incredible years in England where he won 20 trophies.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC), meanwhile, have been searching for a new manager since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third successive World Cup.
FIGC chief Giovanni Malago had outlined their interest in Guardiola earlier this week along with his determination to get a deal done at a time where the country’s football team are experiencing some of their worst ever times on the football pitch.
But, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Spaniard is unlikely to take the role despite meeting with the FIGC’s technical director Paolo Maldini and his adviser Leonardo in Barcelona last weekend.
The report states that although Malago highlighted how his federation were willing to break the bank for No 1 target Guardiola, the two parties remain far apart on figures.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly set to reject the opportunity to take over as Italy’s new manager
Italy have failed to qualify for the last three World Cups and currently do not have a manager
It is understood that Guardiola wants a salary of €20million-a-year (£17m), but the FIGC have only offered around €10m-a-year (£8.5m).
The report adds that although Maldini and Leonardo, who previously served as PSG’s sporting director, have a superb relationship with Guardiola, they returned from their meeting in Barcelona with ‘little optimism’.
This was despite Guardiola – who spent two seasons in Italy during his playing days with Brescia and Roma and can speak the language – being offered a comprehensive project where he would have significant control over Italian football.
The 55-year-old is understood to be concerned about the commitment required by jumping straight back into management having promised his family that he would live in Barcelona now his time in England has come to an end.
Unless they give their blessing to the Italy role, it seems unlikely that Guardiola will accept the offer.
Speaking earlier this week about the former Man City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss, Malago had said: ‘[Financial] exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.
‘Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through.’
Former Italy boss Roberto Mancini and Azzurri legend Andrea Pirlo are also in the running for the role, although the likes of Antonio Conte may come into the mix if Guardiola does reject the opportunity.
Italy Under 21 boss Silvio Baldini was in temporary charge for the June international break, yet with a fresh cycle starting after the World Cup, they are keen to appoint a new manager as soon as possible.
