Mancini a Candidate for Trophy Starved Clubs

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Roberto Mancini is one of the most underrated coaches in Europe. It's astonishing that top clubs aren't banging down his door to demand his services. The Sampdoria legend guarantees trophies wherever he lands, even when the clubs are fighting financial problems and being on the verge of bankruptcy.

Mancini had an illustrious career at Sampdoria, where he showcased his elegant and effortless technique. At Sampdoria he won four Coppa Italia, a Cup Winner’s Cup and a Serie A title in what was a fairy tale affair, followed up by a European Cup final with Barcelona. Mancini then moved to Lazio with Eriksson where he won another Serie A title and Cup winner’s Cup. The Italian then became protégé to Sven-Goran Eriksson who describe Mancini as an artist both as a player and manager. Mancini finished up his career by moving to Leicester city in a short playing stint.

Mancini became manager of Fiorentina and in the midst of financial meltdown and managed to steer the club to a Coppa Italia. He then moved to Lazio and won another Coppa Italia in similar circumstances.

By the time Mancini arrived at Inter the club had not won a domestic trophy in 16 years, the Italian stepped up the game by winning the Coppa Italia, whilst it was a minor trophy, as they say success breeds success and it became a catalyst for Inter’s dominance for the next half a decade. Inter may have benefit from Calciopoli, but Mancini was still the architect of that dominance. He started to overhaul Inter’s recruiting policy and bought in players that balanced the squad. Mancini also changed the mentality of perennial bottlers Inter to formidable champions, still going strong under Mourinho.

Mancini’s record in the Champions League is not so great, marred by terrible luck. This could be due to Mancini’s inexperience, and lack of preparation. He was twice knocked out on away goals and twice harmed by referee decisions. The pressure to deliver the European Cup to a club that hadn’t won it in half a century compounded, and cummulated in his resignation after the disastrous Liverpool tie. It was an outburst that damaged Mancini’s reputation in Europe. Given the chance, a managerial run with a formidable European team could produce results.

Ambitious and trophy starved clubs in Europe should look no further than Roberto Mancini to usher in a new wave of dominance.

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