"ROBERTO MANCINI is facing a revolt that could derail Manchester City’s title chances."
The Blues boss is on a collision course with senior players and staff over a charity match in Italy next week.
The Premier League leaders have agreed to field a side against a combined Sampdoria and Genoa XI to raise cash for victims of the flash floods that struck northern Italy in November.
Roberto Mancini was expected to take a side made-up of fringe stars and youth team players for the game on Wednesday.
But he has stunned his squad and coaching staff by telling them he will pick a number of first teamers for the trip – just four days before the crunch league clash at Aston Villa.
Starsport understands Mancini’s decision has caused uproar in the dressing-room.
Mancini has spent the past few weeks complaining about his squad being pushed to the limit by injuries, suspensions and players being away on international duty.
A club source said: “The players are livid. One minute the manager is all doom-and-gloom about suspensions and injuries, but now we have to fly to Italy for a charity game.
“Some of the players are going to put their views across. But they fear their protests will fall on deaf ears because they feel Mancini does not communicate with them.
“One member of the backroom staff has already decided not to travel.”
New signing David Pizarro is on a mission to help City win the title after joining on loan from Roma.
The Chile international said: “We will be having a chat soon to discuss what my role will be.
“The period when Inter Milan started winning trophies again coincided with Roberto’s arrival at the club so let’s hope history repeats itself.”
Boca Juniors have offered to let City rebel Carlos Tevez train with them in Buenos Aires.
Tevez is expected back next week to train with City’s reserves after failing to find a new club in the transfer window."
