Roberto Mancini’s 14-month tenure as manager of the Saudi Arabian national team has come to an end, with reports suggesting a significant financial settlement for the Italian coach. According to sources, Mancini resigned from his position as Italy’s national team manager on August 13, 2023, sending a formal notice via PEC from Mykonos, Greece, before agreeing to a three-year deal with Saudi Arabia just days later on August 27.
Mancini’s contract with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation was reportedly worth 25 million euros per season, extending until 2027. The move came after he had been appointed as the technical coordinator for all levels of Italian football, overseeing both the Under-21 and Under-20 teams. However, changes within the Italian national team staff, including the departures of Evani, Lombardo, and Nuciari, and the arrivals of Gagliardi, Bollini, and Barzagli, contributed to his decision to leave.
He brought a substantial portion of his existing staff with him to Riyadh, including Fausto Salsano, Simone Contran, Attilio Lombardo, Antonio Gagliardi, Massimo Battara, Maurizio Scanavino, Claudio Donatelli, and Agostino Alessio. Former Manchester City colleague Yaya Touré also joined the setup, while Mauro Sandreani opted to remain in Italy with his family. Mancini’s time in Saudi Arabia saw the team eliminated in the round of 16 of the Asian Cup and faced difficulties in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, a situation later rectified by the appointment of Hervé Renard.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced the mutual termination of Mancini’s contract on October 24, 2024. While official figures remain undisclosed, contract clauses stipulated that Mancini was entitled to at least one year’s salary in the event of dismissal. It is believed the final settlement was close to 25 million euros, though Mancini himself dismissed reports of a large payoff as “lies.” The departure marks the end of a short and ultimately unsuccessful chapter for Mancini in Saudi Arabian football, as he failed to fully connect with the environment and supporters.
