Roberto Mancini has dramatically resigned as head coach of Al Sadd, sparking instant speculation that he is about to be handed the vacant Italy job for a second time.
The former Manchester City boss confirmed his shock departure from the Qatar Stars League champions on Saturday after only eight months in charge.
His exit comes despite leading the Doha club to the league title back in April, where he memorably celebrated on the pitch with a nod to Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph.
The timing is significant, with the Azzurri job now empty following the recent resignation of Gennaro Gattuso.
Gattuso walked away after failing to steer the four-time world champions to the 2026 World Cup, meaning Italy have now missed the tournament three times in a row.
In an emotional farewell video posted on X, Mancini described his brief Qatari adventure as “short but valuable” and thanked the club, players, and supporters.
Al Sadd replied warmly, writing: “Thank you Mancini, we hope the story will continue someday.”
This stunning development has instantly catapulted the 61-year-old to the top of the shortlist to replace Gattuso.
Mancini previously managed Italy between 2018 and 2023, lifting the Euro 2020 trophy at Wembley but also suffering the agonizing play-off defeat to North Macedonia that cost the country a place at Qatar 2022.
He left the Azzurri suddenly in August 2023 before taking charge of Saudi Arabia and then moving to Al Sadd.
His potential homecoming has sparked mixed feelings among Italian fans, pundits, and legends, many of whom were unhappy with the abrupt manner of his original exit.
Mancini has also been linked with the AC Milan vacancy, giving him more than one option to weigh up.
A key figure in his possible return could be Giovanni Malagò, the strong favourite to win the FIGC Presidential election on June 22, 2026.
The Italian Federation are expected to name a new national team coach shortly after that vote, and Mancini appears to be the leading contender.
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