Roberto Mancini aiming to repeat Italy glory with Saudi Arabia as he makes debut as boss in Newcastle friendly

After joining the exodus to the Gulf state, the Italian assesses the domestic talent at his disposal as he targets success in January’s Asian Cup finals

‘I think the whole world recognises the quality of Saudi players,’ Mancini says before two matches at St James’ Park, citing shock World Cup win over Argentina

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Saudi Arabia’s new head coach Roberto Mancini takes a training session. Photo: Saudi Arabian Football Federation

Published: 10:00pm, 7 Sep 2023Updated: 1:19am, 8 Sep 2023

Roberto Mancini has set his sights on transferring his European success to Asia as he takes charge of his first match as Saudi Arabia boss at St James’ Park on Friday.

The friendly against Costa Rica, followed by another against South Korea next week – both at the home of the Saudi-backed Newcastle United – begins a tilt at January’s AFC Asian Cup for the newly appointed Italian, who won Euro 2020 with his native country.

After last week becoming the latest big overseas name to join the Gulf exodus, the 58-year-old’s immediate priority is to assess the domestic talent.

“I think the whole world recognises the quality of Saudi players after they shocked everyone by beating Argentina [in the group stage at last year’s World Cup],” Mancini, who quit as Italy boss three weeks ago, told the Post.

Roberto Mancini said the young talent in the Pro League had impressed him. Photo: Saudi Arabian Football Federation

“But after speaking to the Saudi Arabia Football Federation and understanding the impressive work they’ve been doing across all levels of the game, that win doesn’t surprise me as much.

“There is a lot happening behind the scenes not many people would know about.”