Roberto Mancini leaves Saudi Arabia national team after termination of contract

The former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager failed to lead Saudi Arabia to victory at the Asian Cup this year — exiting the tournament in the round of 16.

Published : Oct 24, 2024 23:25 IST , Riyadhh - 1 MIN READ

Saudi Arabia’s head coach Roberto Mancini stands for the national anthem ahead of the Asian Cup Group F match between Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s head coach Roberto Mancini stands for the national anthem ahead of the Asian Cup Group F match between Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia. | Photo Credit: AP
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Saudi Arabia’s head coach Roberto Mancini stands for the national anthem ahead of the Asian Cup Group F match between Kyrgyzstan and Saudi Arabia. | Photo Credit: AP

Roberto Mancini has left his role as head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national team, the country’s soccer federation said on Thursday.

Mancini, who won the European Championship as Italy coach in 2021, left by mutual consent.

The former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager won multiple titles in a storied career as both player and coach. But he failed to lead Saudi Arabia to victory at the Asian Cup this year — exiting the tournament in the round of 16.

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His actions during that match in Qatar also sparked controversy when he walked off before the end of his team’s losing penalty shootout against South Korea, for which he later apologised.

Mancini had been hired by Saudi Arabia in August 2023 — two weeks after he left his job in charge of Italy.

As manager of Inter Milan, he won three Italian league titles. He went on to win the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013 thanks to Sergio Aguero’s dramatic late goal on the final day of the season.

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