Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that he wants to take over as Italy head coach.
The 49-year-old, who left Turkish giants Galatasaray by mutual consent last month, has set his sights on succeeding Cesare Prandelli, who stepped down following an ill-fated World Cup campaign.
After opening the group stage with an encouraging 2-1 victory over England, they fell to successive 1-0 defeats at the hands of Costa Rica and Uruguay respectively, culminating in a premature exit from the tournament in Brazil.
Mancini was installed as one of the bookmakers’ favourites to get the nod as soon as Prandelli announced his decision to quit. Ironically, Prandelli has now filled the hotseat at Galatasaray.
Ex-Blues chief Mancini, who was sacked in May 2013 despite leading the club to Premier League and FA Cup glory during his three-and-a-half year tenure, has been tight-lipped on the subject of the national side until now.
He told Corriere dello Sport that it would be “an honour” to manage his country, although he admitted there has not been any contact from the powers-that-be.
The decision to part company with Galatasaray came after only one full season in charge. He failed to lead them to domestic title glory last term, when they finished nine points behind champions Fenerbahce.
Mancini did lift the Turkish Cup, but both parties decided a change was in the best interests of the club.