Having won six Coppa Italia titles in his playing career, the former AC Milan boss holds the all-time record for the most number of trophies in the competition.
However, that particular record is about to be matched by Juventus shot-stopper Gianlugi Buffon and Mancini has stated that he is delighted that his longstanding record will finally be shared with such a unique footballer..
“If anyone must match my record, I’m happy that it’s someone like Buffon,” Mancini told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “But I’m not surprised by the lack of fluency at Juve after the long period inactive.
“It will take at least five to six games before teams recover their real football. I expect a very open and balanced game and not only because the Finals are special games.
“I expect it because Napoli are strong, very strong, better than the League table says.”
He believes that the Napoli boss is much more than just a motivator.
“Those who thinks he’s only a motivator are wrong. Rino has developed with every season. Every year he grew a little. He has accumulated knowledge and experience, including suffering, even abroad.
“He has coached a team like Milan, where he did well.”
Mancini asserts that Sarri’s job at Juventus seems like an easy task but it isn’t.
“Taking over a team that has been winning for many years and keeping them in front is not as easy as it seems,” Mancini confessed. “He has transmitted his ideas and they are visible.
“The play is more solid, less vertical. The team follows him.”
Mancini believes than Cristiano Ronaldo would have more influence on the game if he starts from a wider position.
“I’m more convinced when he starts from the left. He finds more space to finish. But a champion like him always finds the right position on the pitch.
“Juventus have many decisive players, too many, the others might say…
Mertens will definitely be one of the guys to watch in the fixture.
“Mertens has the characteristics to create problems in defence for Juventus,” Mancini added.
