Mancini denies Juve link

Juve are in somewhat of a crisis and suffered arguably its most humiliating night in recent times last week when a 4-1 defeat at Fulham saw them dumped out of the UEFA Europa League.

Alberto Zaccheroni replaced the sacked Ciro Ferrara back in January until the end of the season and, with relations with their fans at a new low, Juve know they need to bring in a big-name manager come the northern summer.

Reports had suggested Juve director-general Roberto Bettega broached the subject with Mancini at Craven Cottage but the former Inter Milan coach insists he is not planning on a swift return to Italy.

"I was at the stadium on Thursday simply because today we were meeting Fulham in the league so I wanted to watch the show there," Mancini was quoted as saying in the Italian press.

"I am honoured that my name has been linked to that of Juventus but there is no truth at all."

Mancini signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with City when he moved to the English Premier League in December but his deal reportedly includes a clause allowing both parties to review the situation at the end of this season.