Roberto Mancini walks away from Saudi Arabia after 14 months as coach
Italian leaves by ‘joint agreement’ after seven wins in 18 matchesSaudis sit outside automatic 2026 World Cup qualification spots
Roberto Mancini has left his role as head coach of Saudi Arabia just three weeks out from a critical 2026 World Cup qualifier against Australia. Mancini, who won the European Championship as Italy coach in 2021, has left his post by “joint agreement”, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said.
The 59-year-old was hired by Saudi Arabia in August 2023 – two weeks after he resigned as Italy manager – and led the side to seven wins in 18 matches during an underwhelming 14-month reign.
