Trending 
Roberto Mancini, Italy’s Euro 2020-winning coach, has admitted he regrets stepping down as head coach of the Italian national team to manage Saudi Arabia. Speaking to Rai on Sunday, Mancini reflected on his decision, which ultimately led to an ill-fated stint in the Gulf nation.
“If I could go back, I wouldn’t take the decision to leave the Nazionale again, because coaching this national team is the most beautiful thing,” Mancini said.
He acknowledged a potential misunderstanding with Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation, around the time of his departure: “Maybe we didn’t understand each other, or maybe it was just a difficult period. Things could have turned out differently, but I have nothing against him.”
Mancini shocked the football world in August 2023 by resigning from Italy to sign a lucrative contract reportedly worth $25 million annually with Saudi Arabia. The deal was set to run until 2027, but after only 14 months and seven wins in 18 matches, the Saudi federation dismissed him in October.
Despite speculation that his move was financially motivated, the former Manchester City manager defended his career choices: “My career speaks for itself. I didn’t join Saudi Arabia for money.”
Rumours have linked Mancini with the Roma coaching role at the end of the current season, though he denied any immediate plans: “I’m not in contact with anyone. But something will happen—it’s only a matter of time.”
