Former Italy coach could return

Arrigo Sacchi led Italy to the final of the 1994 World Cup but wasn't popular with the fans

Arrigo Sacchi, who coached Italy at Euro 96, could be returning to management with Fiorentina.

Sacchi is being tipped to take over from Giovanni Trapattoni who quit after a disappointing season in charge of the Florentine club.

Sacchi's last job was at Atletico Madrid but he resigned that post in February 1999 and has concentrated on his role as a television pundit since then.

He made his name with AC Milan where he became coach in 1987 and, with the Dutch trio of Gullit, Rijkaard and Van Basten in the side, he made the club the most feared in Europe, winning the European Cup in 1989 and 1990.

Van Basten: a legend for Milan and Holland

He was appointed Italian national team coach in 1992, but despite taking the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup Final he wasn't popular with the Italian fans.

His judgement was questioned at Euro 96 when he rested three key players for a group match against the Czech Republic - Italy lost and consequently went out of the tournament.

His main rival for the post is said to be Zdenek Zeman, the former coach of Roma and Lazio, whose last job was with the Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Whoever gets the job may have to rebuild the side with Gabriel Batistuta, Francesco Toldo and possibly Rui Costa looking likely to leave.