“What if Newcastle arrive?” – Suggestion Magpies temptation may be simply too much

Italy came from behind to beat Turkey 3-2 on Tuesday evening, in a game that neither country really wanted to be playing in.

Losses to Portugal and North Macedonia had killed the Qatar World Cup dream for both, and they were therefore forced to face each other in a match of the losers.

A couple of days ago, we covered a report from Italy which explained Roberto Mancini had asked for time to decide his future with the national side. There were said to be temptations from England, with Newcastle United the only club named.

Experienced Italian journalist Mario Sconcerti spoke about the Mancini situation on Tuesday, and TMW quote him in their headline saying: “What if Newcastle arrive?”

Asked if the manager still has the motivation to take Italy forward, he said: “We have to see how sustainable it will remain: the situation does not depend on who is holding it, it is slippery and can escape you at any moment. Let’s say Newcastle and their new Arab owners make him an offer… In the national team calendar there will be long empty moments, it must be understood that things to do are mainly with the Federation. For example by abolishing the Growth Decree which is destroying our youth sectors.”

The Growth Decree is an Italian tax law which means footballers from outside the country can move to Italy and benefit from vastly decreased tax bills, making it easier for clubs to sign players from abroad.

Right now, there’s no suggestion Newcastle United will be showing Eddie Howe the door in the summer, so what the Magpies decide is the most important aspect in all of this.