Mancini hired for Italian job, to seek ‘renaissance’

World
Europe

00:34

Former Italian forward Roberto Mancini has been named the coach of the Italian national team. The Azzurri have finally ended their search for a new coach six months after sacking Gian Piero Ventura, who was shown the door after the four-time world champions failed to make the cut for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

After his country missed the World Cup finals berth for the first time since 1958, former Manchester City and Inter Milan boss Mancini is going to face an uphill task of reviving the team, which lifted the coveted World Cup trophy in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006.

Roberto Mancini of Italy in action during a UEFA Euro 1988 match. /VCG File Photo

The Italian football federation was in search of a full-time coach following Italy’s shock playoff defeat against Sweden in the San Siro last November. Several big names like former Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte were in contention for the top Italian job before Mancini’s name was finalized.

Mancini, who led Manchester City to their first English league title in 44 years in 2012 and won three Serie A titles with Inter Milan, was earlier in a three-year contract with Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg before he terminated it by mutual consent on Sunday in order to become the national team coach.

June 13, 2017: Roberto Mancini delivers a speech during his official presentation in Saint Petersburg. /VCG File Photo

The 53-year-old flew immediately to Rome on Monday morning and signed the dotted line later in the day.

His first match at the helm of the Azzurri will be a friendly on May 28 against Saudi Arabia in Switzerland.

(With inputs from agencies)