"Lazio" releases Mancini © EuroFootball.com

Roma's coach Roberto Mancini could soon officially take over the vacant position of head coach.

When Albert Zaccheroni resigned from his position as coach of Inter, the club decided to invite Mancini to take his place. However, Lazio, with whom he has a contract until 2006, did not seem ready to easily let go of their coach. Nevertheless, it seems that a breakthrough occurred in negotiations yesterday.

"We sat down at the table and let them negotiate for our coach. The most important thing in this meeting is that the atmosphere between both clubs has improved." - said Ugo Longo, the president of Lazio, who is facing financial difficulties.

It is believed that the clubs are negotiating a big deal - Inter is ready to offer a large sum of money for Mancini, Italy's defender Oddo, and winger Cesar. Lazio could also rent out players from Inter's youth team, Rebecchi, Beati, and Potenza.

Roma would also have to find a new strategist, and the favorite to take over this position seems to be Angelo Gregucci, who this year saved Venezia from relegation to Serie B. Among other candidates could be Luciano Spalletti, Francesco Guidolin from Palermo, former coach Giancarlo Camolese, or former Italy national team coach Dino Zoff.