Saudi Arabia Appoint Former Manchester City Coach Roberto Mancini As National Team Manager

• Roberto Mancini has been named as the new manager of the Saudi Arabia national team
• The announcement comes 10 days after he resigned as Italy's head coach
• During his stint with the Azzurri, Mancini's team went on a world-record 37-game unbeaten run

Saudi Arabia have named former Manchester City head coach, Roberto Mancini as their new national team manager.

Mancini steps into the role following the departure of Frenchman Herve Renard, who led the Green Falcons to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

He has inked a deal that extends until 2027. His inaugural match at the helm is scheduled for September 8th against Costa Rica at St James' Park in Newcastle.

According to the BBC, Mancini, who previously steered Manchester City to their inaugural Premier League championship in 2012, has an extensive managerial resume that includes spells at Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter Milan, Galatasaray, and Zenit St Petersburg.

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The 58-year-old tactician was among the candidates shortlisted by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation after Renard's decision to take over as the head coach of the France women's national team.

Roberto himself vacated his position as the manager of the Italian national team, where he had steered them to victory in Euro 2020. However, Italy narrowly missed out on qualification for the World Cup.

Mancini said in a video posted on the Federation's official Twitter, now called X: "I made history in Europe. Now, it's time to make history with Saudi."

According to Italian media, Mancini's contract is valued at 25 million euros ($27 million) annually. He is expected to be introduced to the press during a news conference scheduled for Monday.

Mancini resigns as Italy boss

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Roberto Mancini has resigned as coach of European champions Italy, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Sunday.

Mancini says Saudi Arabia 'nothing to do' with Italy exit

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The FIGC said in a statement that they had "received late yesterday evening" Mancini's surprise decision to step down.

Mancini was appointed in May 2018 after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup under Gian Piero Ventura. A former international, Mancini won Euro 2021 with Italy but failed to qualify his side for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.