Saudi Arabia has appointed former Italian manager Roberto Mancini as the head coach of the men’s national team ahead of the Arab Cup competition.
According to Italian media reports, Mancini will touch down in Riyadh for a presentation on Monday in anticipation of a contract worth €25 million net per year spanning until 2027.
In a tweet, the 58-year-old expressed his joy and anticipation of his new job.
“I am excited to announce that I am joining the Saudi Arabia Football Federation as Head Coach of the National Team. I am delighted and honored to have been selected for such prestigious role, as a sign of appreciation and recognition for all the work done during these years.” he said
His appointment comes weeks after he resigned as head coach for the Gli Azzurri of Italy, whose Scudetto-winning manager, Luciano Spaletti, is tipped to take over.
Saudi Arabia was the only team that beat and also ended Qatar 2022 World Cup winners Argentina’s unbeaten streak in the group stage of the competition. However, after they exited the tournament at the group stage, manager Herve Renard stepped down and took over the French Women’s National Team at the World Cup.
Mancini will make his debut against Costa Rica on September 8. Saudi Arabia had notably revamped its league after the advent of five times Balon D’or winner Christiano Ronaldo. Other stars from Europe’s top-flight league have joined the Gulf league with Brazillian forward, Neymar being the latest.
In a penalty shootout, Mancini raised the Euro 202-2021 trophy as his Italian side trashed the Three Lions of England. He also clinched the 2012–2013 Premier League title with Manchester City and the Community Shield in 2012–2013.
In Serie A, he bagged the Scudetto back-to-back with FC Internazionale in the 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 seasons. He also led Lazio in the 2002-2003 season to clinch the Italian silverware after he led Fiorentina to do the same in the 2000-2001 season. He also has the Italian Super Cup 2005–2006 and 2006–2007 seasons to his name. He led Galatasaray to win the Turkish Cup in the 2013–2014 season