Italy coach Roberto Mancini believes imminent Fiorentina signing Aleksandr Kokorin can make a big impact.

Mancini coached the Spartak Mosow striker at Zenit in the 2017-18 campaign, when Kokorin scored 19 goals in 35 games.

“I can only speak highly of him, both as a footballer and as a person," Mancini told La Nazione.

“Kokorin is a champion, he had the quality to play for any club, including Real Madrid," he added.

“He has great technical skills, with power and aerial ability. Unfortunately he picked up a knee injury in March 2018, but the player's value is indisputable.

“He will need some time to settle in, but Fiorentina's decision to sign him is really good."