Roberto Mancini leaves Al-Sadd and his return to the Italian bench could be imminent

End to the ephemeral adventure of Roberto Mancini as a technician Al-Saddafter the club Doha will confirm it this Saturday officially with a statement on its official channels. The Italian coach himself (61 years old) also announced it through an emotional video, in which he thanked the Qatari fans for their support with this message: “They helped us climb positions until we won the league. Thanks to the club and its directors for helping me and my coaching staff integrate. Thanks to my fantastic players, both on and off the field, who gave everything for this shirt. Good luck to Qatarwhich begins its path to the World Cup today. Thank you all, you will always be in my heart,” he concluded.

Al-Sadd made a mistake in his farewell message and referred to Mancini as ‘Mincini’, which provoked reactions of all kinds of reactions, mostly ironic, on social networks. “Short but valuable time, with many great memories. Thank you Mincini, we hope the story continues one day. All the best in your next challenge and see you soon. Ciao Ciao,” read the message from the Qatari club.

After his departure from Al-Sadd, a team he has managed for just seven months, in which he won 25 games and the Qatar championship, Mancini becomes the main candidate to become the senior team of Italy and takes advantage over his compatriot Antonio Conte, according to various Italian media reports.

Mancini’s return to the ‘azzurra’ could be imminent since next June 22 is the date on which the new president of the Italian Football Federation after the resignation of Gabriele Gravina and the course of the new era of the transalpine team will be defined, which has been left out of the last three World Cup events: Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and the United States, Mexico and Canada 2026. Their last participation was in Brazil 2014.

It should be noted that Manciniwho would replace the resigned man on the bench Gennaro Gattusoalready directed Italy between 2018 and 2023. There were a total of 58 games, with a balance of 38 wins, 12 draws and 8 losses. On July 11, 2021, it was proclaimed Euro 2020 champion at the iconic Wembley Stadium in front of the host, Englandin the penalty shootout. On August 13, 2023, Mancini’s resignation was announced after five years in office.

On August 27, 2023, he was made official as coach of Saudi Arabia. In the 2023 Asian Cup they reached the round of 16 after finishing top of their group, being eliminated on penalties against South Korea. On October 24, 2024, the Saudi Football Federation announced the termination of his contract.