Roberto Mancini is set to return as the coach of Italy’s national football team, completing an unexpected cycle in international coaching. This move comes after Mancini's previous departure from the role three years ago, marking a significant moment in his career.
#What Happened Before This Reunion?
Before rejoining the Azzurri, Mancini had signed with Al Sadd in Qatar in November 2025. His contract was intended to last until June 30, 2028. However, after only a brief tenure of around seven months, he departed from this position, demonstrating what has become a pattern in his coaching career.
He previously managed Saudi Arabia from August 2023 to October 2024, and before that, he had a successful run with Italy from 2018 to 2023. During his time with the Azzurri, Mancini guided the team to a major triumph by winning UEFA Euro 2020, which solidified his standing as one of Italy's modern coaching legends. This victory came after a turbulent phase, as he revitalized a team that had struggled to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
#Why Did Mancini Leave So Soon?
Mancini’s departure from Al Sadd raises questions, particularly because he had over two years left on his contract at the time. In football, leaving a job under those circumstances usually involves complexities such as mutual agreements or buyout clauses. This marks the third consecutive time Mancini has exited a role before fulfilling his contract—first Italy in 2023, then Saudi Arabia in 2024, and now Al Sadd in 2026.
#What Does This Mean for Mancini’s Career?
Mancini’s coaching resume extends beyond just the Euro win. He has achieved significant success at the club level, with notable titles from both Inter Milan and Manchester City, where he played a critical role in delivering the club's first league title in 44 years back in 2012. This recurring theme of early departures from coaching positions poses intriguing implications for his future pathways in football management and the landscape of international coaching.