Saudi Arabia Appoints Roberto Mancini As New National Team Head Coach
Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the new manager of the Saudi Arabia national team two weeks after he tendered his resignation as Italy’s head coach.
The 58-year-old led Italy to victory at Euro 2020, beating England on penalties in the final at Wembley.
He has signed a contract until 2027. His first match in charge will be on 8 September against Costa Rica at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
“I believe this is a great opportunity for me, to experience football in a new country, especially with the growing popularity of football in Asia,” Mancini said.
“The presence of top players in the Saudi Pro League indicates the potential for growth in the national football scene.“
In last year’s World Cup under former head coach Herve Renard, Saudi Arabia shocked eventual champions Argentina in a 2-1 win in Qatar but failed to make it out of the group stages.
Mancini led Manchester City to their first Premier League title in 2012 and has also managed Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter Milan, Galatasaray, and Zenit St Petersburg.
