Mancini takes over the Italian hotseat

INTERNATIONAL: Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the new coach of Italy.

The former Manchester City boss has reportedly signed a twoyear deal to take charge of the national team, although the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) did not give any details about his contract.

The FIGC said in a brief statement that it had reached an agreement with the 53-year-old, who would be presented to the media on Tuesday.

Mancini’s departure from Zenit St Petersburg, who he had managed since last June, was confirmed on Sunday, with the Russian club revealing his contract had been terminated by mutual consent.

Mancini is the permanent successor to Giampiero Ventura, who was sacked in November after the Azzurri failed to reach the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.