Roberto Mancini 'agrees to take over as Italy manager'

Italy are reportedly close to naming Roberto Mancini as their new manager after reaching an agreement with the Zenit St Petersburg boss.

The 53-year-old is one of a handful of experienced names in the running to succeed Gian Piero Ventura, who was dismissed following the Azzurri's failure to qualify for the World Cup.

After a drawn-out search for a replacement, Sky Sport Italia claims that Mancini held positive talks with Italian FA sub-commissioner Alessandro Costacurta and team director Gabriele Oriali in Rome on Monday.

Mancini is still under contract with Zenit and is expected to remain in place with the Russian side until the season ends on May 13.

Carlo Ancelotti was also a confirmed target for Italian football bosses, but the ex-Juventus and Real Madrid chief is said to have rejected the offer last week.