ROME (AP) The Italian football federation says it is in talks with Roberto Mancini about taking over the Azzurri’s vacant coaching job.
[ MORE: Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, Anthony Martial to Chelsea? ]
Federation commissioner Roberto Fabbricini tells the ANSA news agency that after a meeting Monday, Mancini said he was “open to leaving his job with Zenit St. Petersburg to become head coach of the national team.”
Fabbricini adds that “nothing is decided” but that the two sides agreed to meet again May 13, once the Russian season has ended, “to discuss figures and details.”
[ MORE: Salah, De Bruyne finish 1-2 (again) for Player of the Year award ]
Under-21 coach Luigi Di Biagio guided Italy on an interim basis in friendlies last month but the team has not had a full-time coach since November when Gian Piero Ventura was fired after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in six decades.
Mancini, a former Italy player, has coached Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter Milan, Manchester City, and Galatasaray to titles.