Radical changes have begun in the Italian national team, which failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. After the departure of Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), head coach Gennaro Gattuso also left his post. Now, all of Italy is united around one name: Pep Guardiola.
Idman.Biz, citing "Gazzetta dello Sport", reports that the Italian leadership is ready to try every way to convince the Spanish specialist who is at the helm of the English football team "Manchester City". An official offer is expected to be sent to Guardiola before the presidential elections scheduled for June 22.
Although the 55-year-old specialist has a contract with the Manchester club until June 2027, his stay in England next season is in question. Guardiola previously expressed his desire to manage the national team, and Italy is no stranger to him. Pep, who played for the Italian football teams "Roma" and "Brescia" during his football career, speaks Italian fluently and has a special affection for this country.
"I would like to experience the excitement of the World Cup, European Championship or America's Cup. To work in the national team, they have to want you. I don't know who will want me," Guardiola said in an interview with ESPN earlier.
"Marca" notes that the only obstacle to this transfer is financial. Guardiola currently receives an annual salary of 24.8 million euros (approximately 50 million AZN). However, FIGC plans to solve this problem with the support of sponsors - just like in 2014, when Antonio Conte was appointed.