Malagò coy on Guardiola, rules out Italy announcement today
Quick summary
FIGC president Giovanni Malagò declined to comment on speculation linking Pep Guardiola to the Italy national team job and confirmed no coaching announcement would be made today.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceFIGC President Giovanni Malagò suggests there will be no announcement today regarding the new Italy coach, while stressing the close bond he shares with Roberto Mancini.
Malagò will take part in a Serie A Assembly in Milan today. He will be joined by newly-appointed Italy technical director and his advisor Leonardo, who will present their project to Serie A clubs.
Latest Malagò updates on new Italy coach Some Italian media thought the meeting with representatives of Italy’s top flight would be the ideal opportunity to confirm the name of the new Italy coach, but Malagò said on Wednesday night that would not be the case.
“I don’t think the announcement will come during the Serie A assembly,” he said via Sky.
Malagò publicly confirmed ongoing talks with Pep Guardiola just a few days ago, but when asked again about the Spaniard yesterday, he replied: “Don’t make me say anything.”
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 delivers a speech during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games closing ceremony at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) Malagò spoke to reporters in Rome after taking part in a five-a-side football match, playing in the same team as Roberto Mancini.
“Roberto is very humble on the pitch; he’s given us tremendous help,” concluded Malagò.
“We’re a duo that, in life, no matter what, has always been very close, and I want to say and emphasise it.”
Mancini already served as Italy’s head coach from 2018 until 2023 and is seen as a candidate for the Italy job if Guardiola rejects the FIGC offer.
Last night, however, Mancini insisted that he had not been contacted regarding his possible return.
Source attribution: this article content is based on the linked publisher feed/source. Chance adds independent soccer context, impact analysis, entity links, and related news.
What happened
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malagò was asked about reports connecting Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to the vacant Italy head coach position. Malagò remained tight-lipped and did not rule Guardiola in or out, instead emphasizing that no appointment would be announced on the same day. The comments come amid ongoing speculation over Italy's next permanent coach following Roberto Mancini's departure, with several candidates reportedly under consideration. The situation remains unresolved as the Azzurri prepare for upcoming fixtures.
Chance analysis
Guardiola to Italy would be a seismic appointment, but Malagò's non-committal stance suggests the FIGC is still evaluating options rather than close to a decision. For prediction systems, the Italy coaching vacancy remains an open variable, affecting tactical setup, player selection, and team morale. The lack of resolution means current caretaker arrangements likely continue, limiting market-relevant changes to the Azzurri in the near term.
No immediate change for Italy; the coaching search continues without resolution, keeping the Azzurri in transitional mode.
Treat the Italy national team as still in a state of coaching uncertainty — no tactical or personnel conclusions should be drawn until a permanent appointment is confirmed.