Wednesday 16 July 2014 12:03, UK
Roberto Mancini says he was never in the running for the Juventus job but has refused to rule out taking the Italy reins.
The former Inter Milan and Manchester City boss has been out of work since being relieved of his duties at Turkish side Galatasaray in June.
As a coach with a proven track record, which has included title successes in England and Italy, Mancini is not expected to be without an employer for long.
He was considered to be a leading contender to succeed Antonio Conte at Juventus once it was revealed that the reigning Serie A champions were looking for a new manager on Tuesday.
They have, however, turned their attention to ex-AC Milan chief Massimiliano Allegri, with a two-year deal reported to have been agreed, and Mancini insists that he was never in the running.
He told Sky Italia: "Juve never looked at me.
"What has happened there? It's difficult to judge something that you don't know.
"Juve are a strong side, but Conte coached them for three seasons and he knew the problems."
While the Juventus post has passed him by, Mancini remains among the front-runners to take charge of the Italian national team following a disappointing showing at the World Cup finals which led to the resignation of Cesare Prandelli.
Mancini added on his future: "What about me? I have been abroad for many years and I feel good.
"The national team? You will have to ask the federation president.
"A negotiation is a negotiation, there is an economical part and a technical one."
