Roberto Mancini admits Italy interest

Roberto Mancini has declared his interest in becoming the next Italy manager, admitting that he would give the post serious consideration if the Italian Football Federation made contact.

The former Manchester City boss has been out of work since May after being sacked by the Premier League giants, ending a four-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.

Mancini has insisted that he wants a quick return to management but only for an ambitious project, while refusing to rule out becoming Cesare Prandelli's successor at the Azzurri.

He told Quotidiano Nazionale: "If I was called, then it is only logical that I would talk about it. I would be very happy to discuss such an opportunity because, let us be clear about this, Italy is Italy, it is not a club side.

"To be the coach of the Nazionale has a special appeal, it's unique, therefore of course I would talk about it.

"There will be no holiday for me, no sabbatical. I'll only say that if that is the case then it isn't hard to find me."

The 48-year-old has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks, if Laurent Blanc fails to meet expectations in the French capital.