MOSCOW, 28 Aug – Roberto Mancini believes that his appointment as head coach of Saudi Arabia is a recognition of the importance of Italian football.

Mancini took charge of the Saudi team on Sunday. The term of the agreement of the 58-year-old Italian with the Football Federation of Saudi Arabia is not specified. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the contract is for three years – until the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and the coach’s salary will be from 25 to 30 million euros per season.

Mancini has been working with the Italian national team since May 2018, which he led to victory at the European Championship in 2021. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) accepted Mancini’s resignation on 13 August. Five days later, Luciano Spalletti took over the post. Both specialists previously worked in the St. Petersburg “Zenith”.