The Italian Football Federation has identified Pep Guardiola as its exclusive choice to lead the national team, placing all other candidates on hold after the federation also approached Carlo Ancelotti following Italy's third consecutive World Cup qualification failure.
A new round of talks between the two parties took place within the last 24 hours to accelerate a decision, though negotiations have reportedly stalled over finances, with Guardiola seeking €20 million annually against a federation offer of roughly half that amount. Federation president Giovanni Malagò denied that finances represent the primary obstacle and disputed the reported salary figures.
With Ancelotti committed to Brazil through the 2030 World Cup, Antonio Conte has emerged as an alternative should Guardiola decline, alongside Roberto Mancini and Andrea Pirlo.