Report: Roberto Mancini Agrees Deal to Take Italy Job

Roberto Mancini has reportedly "reached an agreement" to become manager of the Italy national team and take over from caretaker Luigi Di Biagio.

Gian Piero Ventura was sacked from the role after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in November, and Sky Italy (via Sky Sports News) are now reporting Mancini, currently in charge at Zenit Saint Petersburg, will be his permanent successor:

Mancini, 53, has long been reported as in the running for the Azzurri job, but Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Carlo Ancelotti were also on the shortlist, according to La Stampa (h/t Football Italia).

It looks like the former Manchester City and Inter Milan manager has been given the nod.

He will have a big job on his hands to turn Italy's fortunes around.

Ventura oversaw a hugely disappointing qualifying campaign that eventually resulted in Italy missing out on this summer's tournament in Russia after a play-off defeat to Sweden.

Italy failed to score a goal in either leg of the tie, and they will miss out on the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

Assuming Mancini takes over the job, his first key target will be to qualify for UEFA Euro 2020.