Italians unsure over Eriksson

The Italian press have a more clouded view of Eriksson

Sven Goran Eriksson's star may be rising in England, where he was the Football Association's first choice for the national job - but the picture is not quite so clear in Italy.

And that is despite the fact that the Swede led Lazio to the Serie A title last season.

Journalist Gabriele Marcotti of Italian sports paper, Corriere dello Sport warned: "I think there's a danger from England's perspective that they think they are getting the Messiah when in reality he's a manager that always needs time to work.

"He's had four clubs in Italy and three of them have done worse in their first season under Eriksson than they did in their last season under their previous manager."

The thing I have heard over and over again is how his record is wonderful and unmatched - but in Italy, until winning the title last season, he was sort of viewed as the eternal bridesmaid

  Gabriele Marcotti of Corriere dello Sport

And Marcotti adds that Eriksson has inherited some very good sides.

"No he didn't manage Juventus or AC Milan but he has managed some damn good teams.

"The Roma team he took over had won the Italian title two years before his arrival and only lost the European Cup to Liverpool on penalties, while Sampdoria also won the title before he arrived and then missed out in the European Cup at Wembley to Barcelona.

"The thing I have heard over and over again is how his record is wonderful and unmatched but in Italy, at least until winning the title last season, he was sort of viewed as the eternal bridesmaid.

"In 13 seasons in Serie A with some very good clubs he only made the top five four times. He only won the title last year on the last day of the season in controversial circumstances."

So how will the possible impending departure of Eriksson be viewed by Lazio fans?

Eriksson doesn't have the cult following that other managers have enjoyed - it might be because he's Scandinavian, but he has never been one to pander to the fans

  Gabriele Marcotti of Corriere dello Sport

"I don't think they're too surprised or really too bothered. Lazio have been grooming Roberto Mancini to possibly take over or they will bring in another big name. Marcello Lippi is one who is available. Most Lazio fans view Eriksson as a cog in the machine rather than the key factor.

"To some degree there might be some resentment but Eriksson doesn't have the cult following that other managers have enjoyed. It might be because he's Scandinavian, but he has never been one to pander to the fans."

And despite Eriksson's agreement with the FA, Marcotti and the rest of the Italian media remain far from convinced that he will yet agree to take up the position at Lancaster Gate.

The manager is renowned for the length of time he takes to decide on his future - and he famously turned down the Blackburn Rovers job having previously signalled his intention to take over at Ewood Park.

Marcotti warns: "From Sven Goran Eriksson's perspective is this his first choice or is he playing England off against Lazio and possibly Real Madrid or other clubs?

"He's done this before, with Blackburn in 1997, as we all remember and I think it's a serious risk. He's weighing up his options and I don't think he's going to commit straightaway."