Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli appointed Galatasaray manager

Cesar Prandelli

Turkish side Galatasaray have appointed Cesare Prandelli as their new manager after Robert Mancini parted ways with the club in June.

Prandelli had led Italy in a disappointing World Cup 2014 campaign which saw them exit in the first round in controversial circumstances.

The 56-year old still had two years left on his Italy contract but resigned after the 1-0 loss to Uruguay in the final group game. He had guided the Azzurris to the 2012 Euro final which they eventually lost 4-0 to Spain. He has successful spells at Fiorentina and AS Roma before taking up the Italy job.

An official statement released on the club’s website read: “Galatasaray football team’s new coach, Cesare Prandelli, is coming to Istanbul this evening. Tomorrow morning at the Florya Metin Oktay [training] facilities, he will be introduced to the players and staff. Galatasaray will sign the deal tomorrow at 2pm [local time] at the Turk Telekom Arena.”

Prandelli was not the first choice for the manager’s post though, Germany manager Joachim Loew and USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann were on top of the Turkish club’s wish list.

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes was also reported to be in talks with the club and had an ‘exchange of ideas’.

Roberto Manicini managed the team to a second-place finish in the league behind Fenerbahce and won the Turkish cup but left only after one season in charge.