ROBERTO MANCINI is the new coach of the Italy national team, the Italian Football Federation announced Monday.

The move came one day after Mancini agreed to terminate his contract as manager of Zenit St. Petersburg, which paved the way for him to negotiate his Italy deal.

Mancini reportedly signed a two-year deal, though the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) did not give any details about his contract in announcing his appointment. The 53-year-old former Manchester City and Inter Milan manager failed to lead Zenit to a Champions League qualification spot for next season.

With Italy, Mancini will replace Giampiero Ventura, who was sacked in November after the Azzurri failed to reach the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.(SD-Agencies)