Mancini predicts July comeback

Former Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has claimed he will be back in work in July.

Mancini left his post at the San Siro based club at the end of last season, despite leading the nerazzurri to a third straight Serie A title.

But he paid for his failure to take Inter into the latter stages of the Champions League and has been out of work ever since.

Asked on Sky Sport24 if he would be back on the bench in August, when next season recommences, he replied: “No, in July.”

“After many years on the bench I have a bit of nostalgia now,” he added. “This has been a longer holiday than normal but now I’m ready to return.”

The former Sampdoria and Lazio forward also had words of encouragement for current Sampdoria star Antonio Cassano.

Like Mancini in his time, Cassano has struggled to hold down a place in the Italy squad, despite excellent club form.

“Antonio is still young and he can remodel himself. There’s still time for him to win back his place in the national squad,” said Mancini.