Roberto Mancini takes charge of Italy training… and is ex-Man City boss using his lucky whistle still?
Former Inter boss oversees his national team in a competitive match for the first time - showing at least one thing has not changed in his 17 years as a manager
ROBERTO MANCINI has seen his managerial career blow hot and cold in recent times.
But as the ex-Manchester City chief takes charge of Italy in a competitive match for the first time, one small thing has stayed the same in his 17 years as a boss.
The Italian, 53, has never whistle-stopped.
Despite bossing six teams in four countries, Mancini has always been a traditionalist, in one way at least, as his trusty whistle has remained around his neck at training.
And as he oversaw the Azzurri’s session today, some even wondered if Mancini was still using his original whistle. Have a look through our pictures to see if you agree..
With his hair now silver-flecked, and Italy facing a huge rebuilding job after the humiliation of missing out on World Cup qualification, Mancini is facing something of a bold grey whistle test.
He has responded to putting his reputation on the line by pumping out music from Queen and The Rolling Stones during training.
And after opening with a 2-1 friendly win over Saudi Arabia in May, Mancini’s attitude seems to be: Don’t Stop Me Now.
With Miley Cyrus and Killers also on his playlist, he is pumping Italy up for their first two Uefa Nations League games, at home to Poland on Friday and in Portugal next Monday.
But Azzurri players admit they are surprised by the injection of music from the former Italy striker, who went on to boss Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter twice, City, Galatasaray and Zenit Saint Petersburg,
AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma said: “We trained with a bit of music, it seemed strange to me,
“It’s a new thing. I’ve been here for three years and until now I’ve only heard it in the changing room.
“I asked the goalkeeping coach. He explained to me that Mancini likes working like this because it gives a bit of extra enthusiasm.”
Mancini is fighting to lift Italy up from hitting perhaps their lowest note since also missing the World Cup in 1958.
And he has called in five newcomers, although 17-year-old Monaco forward Pietro Pellegri is now out through injury.
Mancini is also urging Italian clubs to give home-grown players more chances.
That plea has won public support from Azzurri stars like Marco Benassi.
The Fiorentina midfielder, 23, said: “Mancini is right, you need courage to send youngsters onto the pitch.
“At Torino, I spent two months on the bench and so two years ago, I told myself there wasn’t any space for me.
“I don’t know if that was because of technique or age. However, I decided to change clubs and I was right.”
So it seems if you can’t get no satisfaction, you should move on. But keep your whistle.
