"There are also financial and budget considerations. In the short-to-medium term, saying we need to tighten our belts is an understatement. However, exceptions have been made that could apply to the name that has been so prominently in the spotlight in recent hours."
Giovanni Malagò, president of the FIGC, appearing as a guest on Vivavoce (a programme produced in collaboration between Chora, Will and Cronache di spogliatoio), took stock of the situation regarding the Italy national team manager, confirming contacts with Pep Guardiola, a high-profile name for whom an exception to the budget could also be made.
"It is not certain that this will come to fruition. I believe it has nonetheless been right and important to open a dialogue and keep it alive," Malagò stressed. "It is absolutely not a sign of disrespect towards other candidates, with whom discussions have already begun, and another name will by no means represent a step down."
The shortlist, however, the FIGC president added, does not include only the names of Guardiola, Mancini and Pirlo: "No, absolutely not. If one is thinking in terms of a particular profile, these names certainly fall within the scope of those categories of profiles."
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