What Happened to Roberto Mancini?
Roberto Mancini is an Italian football manager and former player, renowned for his successful coaching career across various top European clubs and national teams. After leading Italy to a historic Euro 2020 victory, he had stints with the Saudi Arabia national team and Qatari club Al-Sadd, and as of July 2026, is reportedly set to return as the head coach of the Italian national team.
Quick Answer
As of July 2026, Roberto Mancini is reportedly poised to return as the head coach of the Italian national football team, a role he previously held from 2018 to 2023. This follows his recent departure from Qatari club Al-Sadd in June 2026, where he managed for approximately seven months and won the league. Prior to Al-Sadd, he had a challenging tenure with the Saudi Arabia national team from August 2023 to October 2024, which ended by mutual agreement due to disappointing results.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Begins Managerial Career at Fiorentina
Roberto Mancini takes his first managerial role at Fiorentina, winning the Coppa Italia in his debut season.
Appointed Inter Milan Manager
Mancini joins Inter Milan, where he would go on to win three consecutive Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia trophies.
Becomes Manchester City Manager
Mancini is appointed manager of Manchester City, a pivotal move that would see him break the club's long trophy drought.
Wins FA Cup with Manchester City
Mancini leads Manchester City to an FA Cup victory, ending the club's 35-year wait for a major trophy.
Secures Premier League Title with Manchester City
In a dramatic final day, Manchester City wins the Premier League title under Mancini, their first in 44 years.
Appointed Italy National Team Coach
Mancini takes over the Italy national team after their failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, tasked with rebuilding the squad.
Leads Italy to Euro 2020 Victory
Mancini guides Italy to win the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, defeating England in the final and achieving a 37-match unbeaten streak.
Italy Fails to Qualify for 2022 World Cup
Despite Euro success, Italy suffers a shocking play-off loss to North Macedonia, failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive time.
Resigns as Italy National Team Coach
Mancini unexpectedly resigns from his role as Italy coach, citing personal reasons and disagreements with the FIGC president.
Appointed Saudi Arabia National Team Coach
Two weeks after leaving Italy, Mancini accepts a lucrative four-year contract to manage the Saudi Arabia national team.
Departs from Saudi Arabia National Team
Mancini and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation mutually agree to terminate his contract after a disappointing run of results, including an early exit from the AFC Asian Cup.
Becomes Al-Sadd Manager
Mancini is appointed as the manager of Qatari Stars League club Al-Sadd.
Leaves Al-Sadd
Mancini parts ways with Al-Sadd after leading them to a league title, paving the way for his potential return to international management.
Reported to Return as Italy National Team Coach
Reports emerge indicating that Roberto Mancini is likely to be re-appointed as the head coach of the Italian national team.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Roberto Mancini's career as a football manager has been marked by significant highs and notable transitions. After a distinguished playing career primarily with Sampdoria and Lazio, where he won multiple domestic and European titles, Mancini transitioned into management, quickly finding success.
His managerial journey saw him lead Fiorentina and Lazio to Coppa Italia triumphs before a highly successful spell at Inter Milan from 2004 to 2008, where he secured three consecutive Serie A titles, a club record. He then moved to Manchester City in 2009, guiding them to an FA Cup victory in 2011 and their first Premier League title in 44 years in 2012, cementing his legacy in English football.
After further stints with Galatasaray and a second spell at Inter Milan, Mancini took charge of the Italy national team in 2018, following their failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Under his leadership, Italy experienced a remarkable resurgence, culminating in their triumph at Euro 2020 (held in 2021) and setting a world record of 37 consecutive matches without defeat. However, this success was followed by a significant setback as Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, losing a play-off to North Macedonia. Mancini resigned from the Italy post in August 2023, citing personal reasons and disagreements with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina over staffing changes.
Shortly after his departure from Italy, Mancini accepted a lucrative offer to become the head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team in August 2023, signing a four-year contract reportedly worth €25-30 million annually. His tenure with the 'Green Falcons' was short-lived and challenging, marked by a disappointing last-16 exit at the AFC Asian Cup and struggles in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He mutually agreed to part ways with the Saudi Arabian national team in October 2024, after just 14 months in charge.
Following his departure from Saudi Arabia, Mancini took on the role of head coach for Qatari Stars League club Al-Sadd in November 2025. He successfully led Al-Sadd to win the league title during his relatively brief spell. However, in June 2026, Mancini decided to part ways with Al-Sadd, fueling speculation about his next move. As of July 2026, multiple reports indicate that Roberto Mancini is highly likely to return to the helm of the Italian national team, with the FIGC reportedly keen on his return after the team again faced challenges, including failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup under a different manager.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Roberto Mancini made different choices?