Gianluca Vialli has claimed that Roberto Mancini has what it takes to lead Manchester City to their first Premier League title.

The pair were teammates at Sampdoria and Vialli believes that Mancini's strength of character means that success is feasible at the club.

The former Chelsea manager told talkSPORT: "Mancini definitely has the strength of character what it takes to get Man City over the line, I think he's underrated by the media in this country but his record speaks for itself.

"He's a winner and he knows what it takes, he's got very simply ideas when it comes to football which, in my opinion, is a great quality.

"He's very good at managing his players, it does matter if you're a big name or not, he does what is best for the team. He's been there and done it before with Inter Milan."

City are currently one point behind league leaders Manchester United in the Premier League.