Italian Football Federation President Giovanni Malago confirmed on Wednesday that he is in constant contact with Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, who may take charge of the Italian national team.

Malago was asked on the 'X' platform by the website 'Cronache di Spogliatoio' (Locker Room Chronicles) about the possibility of increasing the budget allocated for appointing the new coach of the four-time world champions if it involves 'a name that has been widely discussed in recent hours, namely Guardiola,' and he replied positively.

He confirmed: 'Yes, and this is an exception for obvious reasons, which I will not explain here, but it is not certain that this matter will lead to a positive outcome. However, I still believe it was fair and important to open and continue a dialogue.'

The president, elected in June, added: 'This does not in any way imply disrespect to the other candidates; quite the opposite, because discussions about them have already begun.'

Malago also confirmed that the federation's choices are not limited to the three most discussed names (Andrea Pirlo, 2006 world champion, Roberto Mancini, and Guardiola) to take the position.

Italy, winner of the World Cup four times and the European Championship twice, failed this year for the third consecutive time to qualify for the World Cup.

Guardiola, 55, left his position as coach of English Manchester City after 10 years during which he led the club to win 20 titles.