Former Roma, Inter and Milan star Amantino Mancini has labelled Luciano Spalletti the best coach he ever worked with, speaking to Sky Italia amid claims that the veteran Italian could return to the dugout with Newcastle United.
It is over a year since the 61-year-old tactician last stepped foot on the touchline.
Spalletti was a lamb to the slaughter last summer as Inter succeeded in luring the great Antonio Conte to the San Siro but, with both Fiorentina and Newcastle linked, it seems only a matter of time before a two-time Coppa Italia winner is back in the game.
Calciomercato suggest that Spalletti is one of a number of names in the frame to take Steve Bruce’s dream job at St James’ Park.
And Mancini, who also shared a dressing room with esteemed coaching legends like Fabio Capello and Jose Mourinho, has only positive words to say about a man who he puts right at the top.
“The number one. He was respected by everyone, even Antonio Cassano,” Mancini, a nine-time Brazil international, says.
“The strongest coach I have ever had. Playing in that Rome team was a pleasure.
“Luciano he teaches football, he makes you understand a lot of things. During training, if necessary, he also took you by the arm in order to let you assimilate the movements. He was number one on the field.”
Spalletti boasts a superb reputation in Italy, although it seems that he is far from Newcastle’s number one pick. According to Sky, Mauricio Pochettino is the top target, with the Argentine offered a staggering £19 million-a-year contract at St James’ Park.
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