Saudi Arabia offer ex-Italy coach ₦45 billion to become national team manager

Italian manager Roberto Mancini was named as Saudi Arabia's boss in August.| Imago

Saudi Arabia offer ex-Italy coach ₦45 billion to become national team manager

Ayoola Kelechi 23:37 - 13.08.2023

Former Manchester City and Italian national team coach Roberto Mancini could make as much as €54 million if he becomes manager of the Saudi Arabian national team

Roberto Mancini, who resigned from his role as manager of the Italian national team today, has already been offered a route back into management before the ink dries on his resignation letter.

Mancini leaves Italy after mixed spell

Mancini quit the Italian national team after five years in charge of the team, thanking the country for allowing him to serve them in his post-resignation statement. 

Roberto Mancini with the Euro 2022 trophy | Imago
Roberto Mancini with the Euro 2022 trophy | Imago

The 58-year-old manager took over the job from former head coach Cesare Prenadelli after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and was heralded for leading a broken Azzurri team to Euro 2020 victory just two years after.

However, Mancini’s spell as manager of the Azzurri started to go sour, when he emulated his predecessor, Prandelli, by failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, shockingly losing the first qualification play-off against North Macedonia. 

Saudi Arabia tempt Mancini with mouth-watering offer

More sub-par results since have led to questions over Mancini’s ability to lead the team to further glory with the 2024 Euros qualifying still uncertain for the Italians. 

After deciding to quit the national team, Mancini has reportedly been approached by the Saudi Arabian FA to become manager of the national team, replacing Herve Renard, who departed to coach France’s Women’s side at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Mancini will be offered up to €18 million per season to coach Saudi Arabia’s national team and other sources believe that the deal could run for up to three seasons, allowing the Italian gaffer to pocket up to €54 million in total. 

There is still no confirmation on Mancini’s final decision, which will certainly be made public in the coming days. 

 

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