Mancini tapped to manage Italy, says FA chief

Roberto Mancini is on the cusp of taking the reins as Italy's new head coach, with the nation's football federation president indicating that the former Manchester City manager is the top candidate for the position.

According to a statement from the president, Alessandro Costacurta, Mancini has been identified as the preferred choice for the role, and all parties involved are working towards finalizing the agreement in the coming days. Costacurta expressed confidence in Mancini's ability to lead Italy back to the top of international football, citing his impressive track record of success in both domestic and European competitions. Mancini's most notable achievement came during his tenure at Manchester City, where he guided the team to a Premier League title in 2012.

Mancini, 59, has a wealth of experience in managing top-level football teams, having previously held positions at Sampdoria, Lazio, Inter Milan, and Manchester City. His appointment would bring a sense of stability and continuity to the Italian national team, which has been searching for a consistent identity and results in recent years. The Italian football federation has been eager to find a suitable replacement for previous coach, Roberto Mancini's predecessor, and it appears that they have identified the right man for the job.

The confirmation of Mancini's appointment is expected to be announced in the near future, with the Italian national team set to begin their preparations for the upcoming international fixtures. Mancini's first task will be to lead the team through a crucial period, with several key matches scheduled in the coming months. The Italian football federation will be hoping that Mancini's experience and expertise will help to restore the team's reputation and guide them back to the pinnacle of international football.