They said a “very complex deal” was in the works over a clause between the Certaldo born tactician and Napoli barring him from taking a job with a rival club during his year-long sabbatical to see more of his 12-year-old daughter.
The sources said FIGC would not have to pay the penalty envisaged for hiring the 64-year-old former Roma, Zenit and Inter coach.
They said a possible deal would not come before next weekend, ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Ukraine early next month.
Spalletti is the clear favourite to take over from 58-year-old Marche born tactician Mancini, who won Euro 2020 but failed to get Italy into last year’s World Cup.
Italian Football fans are baying on social media for Spalletti to take over.
“Now in nazionale mister. I’ll go and farm your land, you get us to the World Cup,” said one fan.
“Italy called”, said another, echoing a verse in the national anthem.
Mancini, who took Man City to the Premier League title and won multiple scudettos with Inter, has said he quit for personal reasons but there is media speculation he may have already signed up to lead Saudi Arabia.
However, the FIGC recently expanded his role and there were no warning signs ahead of Sunday’s announcement.
ANSA
