The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has confirmed for the first time that special financial "exceptions" have been arranged specifically to accommodate Pep Guardiola, should he be appointed Italy's next head coach, marking the clearest signal yet that talks with the former Manchester City manager are advancing. FIGC president Giovanni Malago named Guardiola directly when discussing the arrangements, though he stopped short of confirming a deal and stressed the appointment is far from guaranteed. The move would end months of speculation and give Guardiola his first international management role, filling the vacancy left since Gennaro Gattuso's resignation in April.

Guardiola, who left City at the end of last season after a decorated 10-year spell including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups and the Champions League, is free to take up a new post and has reportedly already held talks with the FIGC. Malago said the exceptions were made "for obvious reasons" he declined to elaborate on, adding "it is not certain that this thing will go through." Roberto Mancini, who guided Italy to Euro 2020 success, and former midfielder Andrea Pirlo remain other reported candidates, with Malago saying the shortlist is not limited to these three names, all of which he said fit a "certain profile" the federation is seeking.