Zenit St Petersburg boss Roberto Mancini believes his former club, Manchester City, could win this year's Champions League.

The Italian was in charge when City won the Premier League title in 2011/12, their first since 1967/68. But he struggled in Europe's premier competition with City, having only ever reached the last-16.

With Pep Guardiola now in charge, the Sky Blues have mustered an almost insurmountable lead at the top of the league, and yesterday, they beat Basel 4-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-tie.

Asked if City could win it all, Mancini said: "Maybe they can. Manchester City improved a lot this year.

"Now the level is very high and they could have a chance to win the Champions League."