The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is open to offering Pep Guardiola a salary package that would exceed its standard financial guidelines, federation president Giovanni Malago has confirmed — as the race to fill the Italy head coach vacancy heats up.

Malago, speaking in an interview with Italian digital sports platform Cronache di spogliatoio, acknowledged that talks had already taken place with Guardiola, and that special financial arrangements could be put in place for high-profile candidates.

"[Financial] Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola," Malago said. "Exceptions for obvious reasons that I am not here to explain, but it is not certain that this thing will go through."

Guardiola, 55, departed Manchester City in May after a decade in charge that brought six Premier League titles, five League Cups, three FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League. He departed on his own terms, though he acknowledged the toll of the job at the time.

A coaching legend in the mix

Italy have been searching for a new head coach since Gennaro Gattuso stepped down in April, following the country's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time — a crisis that has put enormous pressure on the FIGC to appoint a transformative figure.

Guardiola has never managed an international side, but he is no stranger to Italy. He spent two seasons in Serie A between 2001 and 2003, turning out for both Brescia and Roma, and is fluent in Italian.

Alongside Guardiola, former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini — the architect of Italy's Euro 2020 triumph — is also in the frame, as is former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo, currently in charge of Dubai United. When asked whether the three men were the only candidates, Malago was emphatic: "Absolutely not. We think about a certain profile and certainly these names fall into that category."

A historic appointment in the making

An appointment of Guardiola would mark a significant departure from precedent. Italy's men's national team has been managed by an Italian for virtually all of its history, with only two exceptions: Hungarian Lajos Czeizler, who served on the technical committee in the 1950s, and legendary Argentine Helenio Herrera, who shared duties with Italian Ferruccio Valcareggi in the following decade.

Before leaving City, Guardiola reflected on what his time in England meant to him: "I am so tired. Seriously, I am so tired. The memories I have of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are unbeatable but the luggage of memories I have from here from 10 years is more than any other."

Sky Italia first reported contact between the FIGC and Guardiola on Monday. BBC Sport has contacted the FIGC for comment.