Roberto Mancini was born in Jesi on 27 November 1964, going on to become one of the most iconic numbers 10s in the history of Italian football. His playing style was characterised by leadership and vision, key elements that have also led to his great success as a football manager.

He began his playing days with Bologna, making his top-flight debut for the side in 1981, but it was with Sampdoria that he really made his name. Over his 15 years with the Blucerchiati he became something of a symbol for the club, winning one Scudetto, two Coppe Italia and one Cup Winners’ Cup, sadly missing out on a European Cup in 1992 as his side lost to Barcelona in extra time. He made a move to Rome in 1997 to join Lazio, winning six trophies in his time with the Biancocelesti: one Scudetto, one Cup Winners’ Cup, one European Super Cup, two Coppe Italia and one Italian Super Cup. He brought his career to a close in England at the beginning of 2001, playing five games in the colours of Leicester City.

Roberto’s Azzurri tale began on 26 May 1984, before he had even turned twenty years old, as he was called up to make his debut by Bearzot in a 2-0 friendly win against Canada in Toronto, the youngster coming on to replace Giordano at the start of the second half. His first goal for Italy came four years later at the European Championship finals on 10 June 1988, Mancini putting the Azzurri in front of West Germany before the game went on to finish 1-1.

He received a call-up from Vicini for the 1990 World Cup, remaining in the squad for Sacchi’s arrival and hitting three goals in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers. His final appearance came in a 2-1 friendly loss to Germany in Stuttgart on 23 March 1994. His all-time record coming to a close with 36 caps and four goals to his name.

With his playing career at its end, Mancini turned his attention to coaching, going on to manage Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter, Manchester City, Galatasaray and Zenit Saint Petersburg. His trophy cabinet as a coach boasts three Scudetti, four Coppe Italia, two Italian Super Cups, one Premier League, one FA Cup, one Community Shield and one Turkish Cup; all of which helped to earn him a place in the Italian Football Hall of Fame back in 2015.

Mancini currently finds himself as the Head Coach of the Italian National Team, with whom he has just finished a record-breaking run in European qualifiers: ten wins out of ten, 37 goals scored and just four conceded. With eleven consecutive wins, Mancini also now boasts the longest streak of consecutive victories of any coach in the history of our National Team.

Congratulations Roberto and happy birthday once again!