Italian Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi emphasized that he would not interfere with the selection of the new head coach for the Italian national team.

The coaching prospects are currently unclear: after Gattuso's resignation, the Italian national team was temporarily led by U21 coach Silvio Baldini for two matches, and a permanent head coach has yet to be finalized.

New Technical Director Paolo Maldini and his special advisor Leonardo flew to Barcelona over the weekend and held multiple meetings with Guardiola to inquire about his interest in coaching.

Abodi stated in an interview with Sky Sport Italia: "Whoever the final candidate is, we must fully support him and the plan he develops with Maldini, Leonardo, and the President of the Italian Football Federation."

"The goal of this selection is to choose the national team coach, so we must pick the best possible candidate. The candidate must love this azure jersey, that much is certain."

It is rumored that in addition to Guardiola, Pirlo, Mancini, and Conte are also on the shortlist, so does Abodi have a preferred candidate?

"I do have a preferred candidate, but that's not the point – selecting a coach is the responsibility of the relevant officials, and they should make the decision. Whoever is ultimately chosen will be the coach of 'my team'."

"I don't want to interfere with the coaching considerations currently underway this week."

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