Article by Romeo Ene – Published Saturday, June 13, 2026 11:16 p.m. / Updated Saturday, June 13, 2026 11:49 p.m.
Roberto Mancini (61) has parted ways with Al-Sadd, the Qatari champions. The technician is expected to take charge of the Italy national team again after the parties reached an agreement in principle and the official announcement is expected in the coming days.
Italy have been left without a coach following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso following their failure to qualify for the World Cup following their shock exit to Bosnia.
Roberto Mancini, getting closer to returning to the bench of the Italian national team
Roberto Mancini is the big favorite for the “Azzurra Squad” job. If the move materializes, he will start his second term at the helm of the first national team, after the one from 2018-2023.
“A short but precious time with lots of great memories. Thanks Mancini, we hope the story continues one day. All the best in your next challenge and see you soon. Bye, bye!” Al-Sadd tweeted.
Short but valuable times, with lots of great memories. You are lying, I hope the story will continue some day.
All the best in your next challenge… pic.twitter.com/cHK4lCvxjy— 🏆 #83 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) June 13, 2026
In his first spell on the Italy bench, Mancini guided them to success at EURO 2020, where the Azzurri beat England on penalties in the final. However, the national team missed the qualification for the 2022 World Championship.
Under his command, Italy also set a record in international football with a 37-game unbeaten run, scoring 93 goals and conceding just 12.
Mancini's departure from the national team in August 2023 caused a lot of controversy in Italy, especially since the technician soon accepted the position of Saudi Arabia coach. His resignation paved the way for the installation of Luciano Spalletti, whose tenure lasted less than two years.
Mancini is the main favorite to return to the national team bench, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. In addition, he would have a close relationship with Giovanni Malago, considered the favorite in the elections for the Italian Football Federation, scheduled for June 22, 2026.
Roberto Mancini had been at Al Sadd since November 2025 and had a contract until June 2028.
Răzvan Lucescu, favorite to replace Mancini at Al-Sadd
The split between Roberto Mancini and Al-Sadd could open the door to a spectacular return for a Romanian coach in Qatar. Răzvan Lucescu (57 years old), the current technician of PAOK Thessaloniki, is among the main candidates for the vacant position.
The information was revealed this evening by the journalist Nicolo Schira, who claims that the Romanian is on the short list of the club management.
Răzvan Lucescu, coach of PAOK Thessaloniki // PHOTO: Imago Images
“Răzvan Lucescu is a candidate to replace Roberto Mancini on the technical bench of the Al Sadd team,” Nicolo Schira said.
The group from Qatar relies on the experience and results obtained by the Romanian coach in Gulf football. In the 2019-2021 period, Lucescu trained Al-Hilal and conquered the Asian Champions League, one of the most important performances of his career.
