ROBERTO MANCINI has QUIT as Al Sadd boss after just eight months in charge, paving the way for a stunning return to one of football’s biggest jobs.
The former Manchester City manager walked away from the Qatar Stars League champions despite leading them to the league title last season, with speculation now mounting over his next move.
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Roberto Mancini looks set to return to Italy, who he won Euro 2020 with Credit: Getty
Mancini is the Chosen One to return Italy back to where they belong Credit: Getty
Mancini confirmed his departure in an emotional message to supporters, thanking the club, players and fans after helping Al Sadd climb the table before securing the championship.
He said: “Thanks to all the Al Sadd fans for the support they have given us throughout the year and which has helped us recover many positions until we won the championship.
“Thanks to the club and these directors for helping me and my staff to easily integrate into the club. Thanks to the fantastic players, both on and off the pitch, and for always giving everything for the team.”
Al Sadd also paid tribute to the Italian, posting via X: “Short but valuable time, with lots of great memories. Thank you Mancini, we hope the story will continue some day.”
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Mancini’s departure comes at a crucial moment for Italian football following yet another National Team disaster.
The Azzurri have now failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups, missing out in 2018, 2022 and 2026 after play-off defeats to Sweden, North Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Gennaro Gattuso became the latest manager unable to reverse Italy‘s decline and stepped down just a week after the heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Bosnia.
A number of high-profile names have been linked with the vacancy, including Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte, but Mancini has rapidly emerged as the leading contender to take charge once again.
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It would mark a remarkable return for a manager whose time with Italy between 2018 and 2023 produced both the highest and lowest moments of the country’s recent football history.
Mancini guided the Azzurri to glory at Euro 2020, beating England on penalties at Wembley in July 2021 to deliver the finest moment of his career.
But eight months later, he oversaw the shock defeat to North Macedonia that denied Italy a place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Before his international success, Mancini had already built an impressive managerial CV.
Mancini kickstarted Manchester City’s period of dominance in 2011/12 when he won the Premier League Credit: Getty
He won three consecutive Serie A titles with Inter Milan between 2005/06 and 2007/08.
The Italian then became a Manchester City icon after ending the club’s 35-year trophy drought by lifting the FA Cup in 2011.
Twelve months later, he delivered City’s first league title in 44 years with their dramatic Premier League triumph in 2012.
Mancini left Italy in 2023 before taking charge of Saudi Arabia and later Al Sadd.
But after another turbulent period for four-time world champion Italy, football’s ultimate comeback story could now be on the cards as they turn to a familiar face.
