Mancini rejects Italy rumours

City boss plays down talk of England call for Johnson

Last updated: 14th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Mancini rejects Italy rumours

Mancini: Wants to stay

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has ruled out speculation that he could be the next manager of Italy.

Despite making numerous denials in the past, Mancini has always been linked with the post, which will become available when Marcello Lippi steps down after this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

However, speaking after Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Sunderland, the Italian brushed aside the rumours.

He said with a smile: "No. I have said maybe in 10 years.

"I don't know. No. It's not for me now."

Impressive

Adam Johnson came off the bench to salvage a point for City at the Stadium of Light and put his club within two points of fourth place.

Johnson's impressive performances since moving to Eastlands in January have seen him mentioned as a potential late call-up for England's World Cup squad, but Mancini is cautious about his future.

Asked if the World Cup might come too soon for the 22-year-old, the Italian said: "Adam is a good player, but is a young player.

"I think that in the future, he will be a good player for the national team, but now I don't know.

"Maybe, but I don't know, I don't decide. I think the England national team has a good manager and he knows Adam Johnson very well and he will decide."

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