Well, you can dismiss those Azzurri rumours, at least until Giorgio Tavecchio is FIGC president, and as long as Claudio Lotito has such a powerful role. On paper, Mancini is very much intrigued by the idea of coaching the national team. Problem is, he finds those who lead the federation to be incompatible with his principles.  

He is certainly not a fan of Claudio Lotito's politicking. The Federation's latest Kingmaker has never got on with Mancini, with the two ending up on court when Lotito took over Lazio, and Il Mancio was in the process of leaving for Inter.

This would explain why Mancini's Inter sides found it very difficult to recruit Lazio players. The former Manchester City manager expected that any future hiring process would automatically exclude him.

 

Then again, Mancini himself would almost certainly refuse an eventual call-up. Why? Tavecchio is hardly doing well in the Inter manager's estimation. Though some may have Il Mancio's reaction to Sarri's insults to be exaggerated, it actually underlined just how important this issue is to Mancini.
Having developed a sensitivity to discrimination during his time in England - where racism or homophobia inspire nothing but complete revulsion - Mancini isn't likely to look favourably upon the man who has crossed the line on half a dozen occasions.