Roberto Mancini has emerged as a serious contender to take charge of Nottingham Forest after the club dismissed Ange Postecoglou. As reported by Telegraph Sport, the former Italy and Manchester City boss is under consideration for the vacancy. The managerial change came swiftly this afternoon, only minutes after Forest’s 3-0 defeat at home to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea in the Premier League.
Postecoglou’s brief spell at the club lasted just 39 days. Appointed on September 9 as the successor to Nuno Espirito Santo, he oversaw a difficult run of games before the club decided to act. The loss to Chelsea proved decisive, prompting Forest to move quickly to identify possible replacements.
Italian veteran among names on the shortlist
The Telegraph claims that Mancini is viewed as a realistic option for the role, with Sean Dyche also understood to be in the frame. This has been supported by The Athletic, which likewise points to Mancini as one of the prominent names being evaluated.
The Italian’s profile has attracted renewed interest in England. Earlier in the day, reports surfaced that he had privately mentioned to friends that he was in contention for the Manchester United job, should the club decide to part company with under-pressure coach Ruben Amorim. Now, his name is being linked with another Premier League side — one that currently features several players with Serie A backgrounds.
Nottingham Forest’s squad includes Dan Ndoye, Nikola Milenkovic, Douglas Luiz, and Nicolò Savona, all of whom have spent significant time in Italian football. This connection could work in Mancini’s favour, potentially easing his integration into the team’s environment should he be appointed.
Decorated career across clubs and national teams
Mancini’s managerial résumé is both extensive and distinguished. Turning 61 next month, he achieved one of the most memorable moments of his career in 2012 when he led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in the modern era.
Before and after his time in England, he held several major posts. He managed Inter, Galatasaray, and Zenit St. Petersburg, accumulating a wealth of experience at both club and international levels. In 2018, he took over the Italy national team, a role he occupied for five years.
His tenure with the Azzurri came to an end in 2023, after which he accepted the position of head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team. Mancini’s spell there concluded in October 2024 when he was dismissed from the role.
