AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Roberto Mancini has left Al Sadd, fueling speculation about his return as the Italy national team coach.
Italian coach Mancini has left Al Sadd after just eight months in charge.
Official: Mancini leaves Al Sadd
The Italian tactician posted a video message for Al Sadd fans on X on Saturday night.
Mancini secured the Qatari league title this past April, celebrating on the field with a nod to Italy’s Euro 2020 victory.
𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 , 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 . 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐢 , 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 .
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞… pic.twitter.com/cHK4lCvxjy— 🏆 #83 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) June 13, 2026
Multiple sources claim that Mancini is now the leading candidate for the Italy job.
He already served as the Italy boss from 2018 to 2023, winning Euro 2020 but also failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Mancini suddenly left the Azzurri in August 2023, becoming the Saudi Arabia national team coach just a few weeks later.
This is why his potential return as the Italy coach has been welcomed by mixed reactions among fans, pundits and Italy legends.
Mancini is said to be on very good terms with Giovanni Malagò, the favourite to win the FIGC Presidential election on June 22, 2026, after which the Italian Federation will name a new head coach for La Nazionale.