It has been an embarrassingly long summer for the Italians. Not because of the heat waves that they are getting used to, but because of six weeks of the world’s biggest sporting event on their TV screens – without Italy. Something must be done about this, Pep Guardiola is called in for the job.
Roberto Mancin led Italy to the European Championship title in 2020. A big moment for the football-mad nation of around 60 million inhabitants. Six years later, this stands as the only highlight for the Italians. The downturn in the last six years peaked with two big losses against Norway in the World Cup qualifiers and another World Cup without Italy – after losing to Boznia and Herzegovina in the playoff final. Big changes were made, now the coach who will lift Italy to new titles will be brought in.
The desire to give former Manchester City manager Guardiola the job of restoring Italian national team football has been reported by several recently, with salary conditions being pointed out as a possible challenge in the negotiations. The Italian Football Federation tells the whole world that this should not present any problems.
Now says that an “exception” could be made with regard to Guardiola’s salary.
“There have been (financial) exceptions in the past, exceptions that can, for example, be applied to the name that is so much mentioned these days: Pep Guardiola,” football president Malago begins to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“These are exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to justify, but it is not certain that this will lead to anything,” he adds.
There are talks, but it is still uncertain whether the talks between the parties will lead to a contract.
There are also reports from various Italian media that signal Guardiola has turned down an offer from the Italian Football Federation.
Time will show.
