Roberto Mancini has been confirmed as the new head coach of the Italian men’s national football side.

The former Manchester City boss will take over from Gian Piero Ventura, who was relieved of his duties last year after failing to secure a spot at the 2018 World Cup.

Mancini left his post at Zenit Saint Petersburg to fill the role and faces the tough task of rebuilding the side after missing out on the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

The former Inter Milan coach will also face the prospect of a side without the likes of Gianluigi Buffon and a number of other first-team stalwarts who are approaching the end of their careers.

The national team announced the news on their official Twitter account, posting:

Roberto #Mancini has signed as the new #Italy Coach! 🖊🇮🇹

The @FIGC has reached an agreement with Mancini to start in the role and there will be an official presentation tomorrow at 12:00 CEST in #Coverciano.#VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/xp9v22Vx5A

— Italy (@azzurri) May 14, 2018

Mancini’s first game as Italy manager will be against Saudi Arabia in San Gallo on 28 May.

Photo: Filip Singer/Backpagepix