Recently fired Mancini aims for national team

Roberto Mancini having been fired from Manchester City now aims at coaching the national team at the World Cup. (AP/Kerstin Joensson)

NAPLES, Italy — Roberto Mancini would like to coach a national team at next year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Mancini, who was fired by Manchester City a month ago, briefly addressed his status via a phone connection to a news conference for a charity match in Capri.

He says, “I want to return to the bench soon, perhaps even with a national team for next year’s World Cup.”

The 48-year-old Mancini has never managed a national team.

After a successful playing career with Sampdoria and Lazio, he began his coaching career with Fiorentina in 2001 then guided Lazio, Inter Milan and City.

In 2011-12 he led City to its first English league title in 44 years. He also led Inter to three Serie A titles.

While he made 36 appearances and scored four goals for Italy, Mancini did not find as much playing success with the national team as he did for his clubs. He was on Italy’s squad for the 1990 World Cup but did not play.

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