Ex-Italy boss Mancini out as coach of Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Roberto Mancini has left his role as head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national team, the country’s soccer federation said Thursday.

Mancini, who won the European Championship as Italy coach in 2021, left by mutual consent, it said.

The former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager won multiple titles in a storied career as both player and coach.

But he failed to lead Saudi Arabia to victory at the Asian Cup this year — exiting the tournament in the round of 16.

His actions during that match in Qatar also sparked controversy when he walked off before the end of his team’s losing penalty shootout against South Korea. He later apologized.

Mancini had been hired by Saudi Arabia in August 2023 — two weeks after he left his job in charge of Italy.

As manager of Inter Milan, he won three Italian league titles and went on to win the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013 thanks to Sergio Aguero’s dramatic late goal on the final day of the season.

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