Pep Guardiola confirmed as candidate for vacant manager’s role with bosses willing to make salary ‘exceptions’ for him

THE Italian FA have confirmed they have held talks with Pep Guardiola about becoming their next coach. And they are willing to break their wage structure to try to lure the former Manchester City boss – who was earning around £20 million per year at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola is a free agent for the first time in a decade Credit: Getty The former Man City boss did everything with the club, but he does have history in Italy Credit: Getty Pep, 55, left the double cup winners in May saying he needed a complete break after spending the last 10 years in the North West. Only two months have passed so the chances of luring him out of his sabbatical already appear to be slim. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! And the Italian FA’s president Giovanni Malago admits they face an uphill task to persuade the Barcelona coach to succeed Gennaro Gattuso. However, he said: “Financial exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola. “Exceptions that I am not here to explain, for obvious reasons. But it is not certain that this thing will go through.” Guardiola has never managed in Italy but had a brief spell playing there for Brescia and Roma between 2001 and 2003. Another ex City boss – Roberto Mancini – and former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo – who played for their sister club New York City FC – are also in the frame. Malogo said they are not the only candidates but added: “Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category.” Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Italy have failed to qualify for the past two World Cups Credit: Getty Pep won 17 major titles and three Community Shields during an incredible decade in the Prem before stepping down. His Italian former assistant Enzo Maresca has taken over from him and will be officially unveiled on Friday. Comment now