Mancini masterminds final stage of Italy’s rise from the ashes

So, so surreal: Italy players celebrate after winning the final against England at Wembley. — AFP

LONDON: As a player Roberto Mancini was never able to truly write himself into the history of the Italian national team but as a coach he will have a chapter entirely to himself.

To turn Italy from a shambolic team that failed to qualify for the World Cup into the European champions, in the space of just three years, is a remarkable achievement and Sunday’s win over England at Wembley showed just how key Mancini has been to the return of the Azzurri.