Fitness coach Ivan Carminati arrived at City with the highest pedigree having coached at some of Italy’s biggest clubs and also the England national team during Sven-Goran Eriksson’s reign.

The 55-year-old was fitness coach to Roberto Mancini during his playing days at Lazio between 1997 and 2000 and then teamed up with the future City boss again when he became manager of Lazio between 2002 and 2004.

The pair then continued their working relationship at Inter, with Ivan initially maintaining his role with England before making the switch to the San Siro permanent in 2006.

When Mancini arrived at the City of Manchester Stadium, there was only one man he wanted as his fitness coach and Carminati soon travelled to Manchester to resume his role under the Blues’ boss.

Known to be a hard but fair task-master, Carminati settled in quickly at City and has proved a popular  and effective member of the coaching staff.

Ivan Carminati's Gallery