Italian Football Federation holds talks with Pep Guardiola about replacing Gennaro Gattuso as head coach

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has met with Pep Guardiola to convince him to take over as national team head coach and are willing to make an exceptional adjustment to their budget to hire him.

FIGC officials Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo met with Guardiola over three days, explaining their project for the national team moving forward.

It remains to be seen if Guardiola wants the job, but the FIGC is making concrete attempts to bring him in as the national boss - and are willing to make "exceptional" changes to their budget in a bid to secure his appointment.

"However, exceptions have been made, which may concern the name that is so dominant these days."

In their discussions with the former Manchester City manager in Barcelona, ​​Maldini and Leonardo presented an idea that goes beyond simply offering him a coaching role.

In the new FIGC's vision, Guardiola would be the central figure in an 'Azzurro project' that aims to rebuild Italian football on solid foundations. Italy did not even qualify for the expanded World Cup this summer.

It would be a complete overhaul that would involve not only the senior national team but all other national teams. The Catalonian has listened attentively to Maldini and Leonardo's offer and is now awaiting his response.