Italy opens talks with Pep Guardiola, weighs pay exception
What's next: FIGC is still considering Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo as Italy tries to rebuild after missing a third straight World Cup.
Italy has opened talks with Pep Guardiola about taking over the national team, with football federation president Giovanni Malagò saying financial flexibility could be used to pursue the former Manchester City manager. Guardiola left City at the end of last season after a decade that brought six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League. Italy has been without a coach since Gennaro Gattuso resigned in April after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Malagò said no deal has been reached and that Guardiola is not the only option. Former Italy coach Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo are also among the candidates.