FIGC chief makes veiled dig at Man Utd over Mancini interest

Roberto Mancini TEAMtalk

Italy boss Roberto Mancini is going nowhere despite being linked to Manchester United, says FIGC chief Gabriele Gravina.

After 22 matches the former Manchester City boss had the best record out of any Italy head coach in the past 50 years with 15 wins, five draws and two defeats.

Now after Wednesday’s win over Bosnia, Mancini’s current record is 18 wins, seven draws and two defeats.

It’s no surprise that Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), claim the 55-year-old is on Manchester United’s radar.

The Italian outlet claim Juventus thought about appointing him before choosing to put Andrea Pirlo in the hot seat. But now United and Paris Saint-Germain have been tracking his progress.

However, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has warned off suitors of Mancini, labelling them “small and medium-sized clubs”.

Speaking after Italy secured their UEFA Nations League Finals place with a 2-0 win over Bosnia, Gravina told Rai Sport: “It’s a time of great reflection for all clubs, there’s a real awareness.

 

 

“Small and medium-sized clubs are emerging.

“The work of Italy is of great support, the courage of Mancini and of the Italian teams is a courage due to the research and intuition of great talents.

Mancini instilled fun

“The national team is an extraordinary platform. We are doing a lot from different point of views, there’s a job that is hardly seen but very well done.

“Mancini was good at creating a lot in short time. The serenity was fundamental, the players have fun when they play.

“This is the greatest merit I want to give Roberto and all those who work for the national team. There’s no problem.

“He loves Italy and these lads; he knows what he has to do. Mancini will decide with the great awareness of having done a great job.

“The national team gives a message of great enthusiasm and hope to our country. We went to Reggio Emilia to be able to thank the doctors.

“We are not just a group of young people aiming for victory, these national teams score goals even off the pitch. They must lead by example.”

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