Post by Inter It on Oct 14, 2003 17:09:37 GMT
Highly rated tactician Roberto Mancini has looked to end speculation of a move to Inter by committing himself to Lazio.
The Sampdoria legend is tipped by many to replace Hector Cuper at the San Siro next summer but he maintains that won’t happen.
"I have recently signed a five-year contract with Lazio and I intend to respect it," he confirmed.
"I’ve started a project with this club and I am committed to the Roman outfit. I want to honour our agreement in full."
Mancio was already associated with the Nerazzurri position last summer as President Massimo Moratti is a massive fan.
And with Cuper again struggling to convince so far this term, Moratti wants the former Italian international to take charge from the 2004/05 campaign.
However, Lazio director Luca Baraldi is sceptical that Mancini will walk out of the Stadio Olimpico side.
"He played an instrumental role in the planning for the years to come," said Baraldi. "Mancini is our future."
Moratti may have to look elsewhere for a new tactician. Dino Zoff, Francesco Guidolin and Alberto Zaccheroni have already been linked.