Former Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli believes that Roberto Mancini is destined for Premier League glory at Manchester City, but may prioritise the Champions League.
The North West side sit at the top of the Premier League table after thrashing arch rivals Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford last weekend.
After a vibrant start to the season, Vialli is certain that it will only be a matter of time before Mancini adds to City's trophy cabinet.
"Mancini is one of the best [managers]. He's likely to win the championship if not this year, next year, with Manchester City," Vialli told talkSPORT. "He's a bit underestimated, especially when he first came to England."
In the early stages of the Italian's reign at the Premier League side, rumours were rife that the 46-year-old had lost control of the dressing room. However, Vialli disputes the idea that Mancini would struggle handling his players.
"Roberto is very good at managing big-name players," he added. "He doesn't care about what they do, or what they think, he just picks whatever team he thinks is the best."
While the Premier League is high on Mancini's list of priorities, his former teammate thinks that he will strive to claim the Champions League trophy.
"You become a true great only when you win in Europe – the Champions League," he continued. "Nowadays you are one of those [great] managers only if you have won the ultimate title in Europe and I think Roberto will think about that a lot and he will want to win that very soon."
City take on Wolverhampton Wanderers for the second time in a week when they meet at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Danielle Joynson
