Roberto Mancini stated that he has “paid his taxes” as he addressed the charges against Manchester City for alleged Financial Fair Play breaches before Italy’s game against England.
The 58-year-old, who has been Italy’s head coach since 2018 and led them to Euro 2020 victory over England, was City’s boss between 2009 and 2013 – which falls into a period currently being scrutinised by a Premier League investigation.
City have been charged with breaking financial fair play rules more than 100 times over a nine-year period, from 2009 up to 2018. The club denies any wrongdoing.
During that time they won three Premier League titles, most notably (and dramatically) under Mancini in 2011-12 when Sergio Aguero clinched the title with the final kick of the season.
“I haven’t been contacted by anybody and I don’t think anybody will contact me,” said Mancini on Wednesday, ahead of the game in Naples on Thursday night.
“I’ve paid my taxes so it’s all above board. I don’t think anyone will be in touch.”
City’s case has been referred to an independent commission and a range of punishments could await if they are found guilty.
Mancini departed the Etihad in 2013, initially becoming Galatasaray manager before returning to former club Inter Milan and having a spell in Russia with Zenit St Petersburg.
He took the Italy job nearly five years ago and has experienced an up-and-down tenure, beating England on penalties to win the Euros before failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
He also played down safety concerns surrounding the game in Naples.
Napoli ultras were involved in violent skirmishes with Eintracht Frankfurt supporters before both legs of the clubs’ Champions League last-16 tie, while England fans received threatening emails from their counterparts in Italy.
Mancini said: “I don’t work for the police force. It’s always been the away fans that have come here and caused problems typically and we saw that in the Champions League.
“England are one of the best sides in the world, they have an extraordinary group of players. It will be a pretty tough match.”
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