Roberto Mancini

Roberto Mancini, a central figure in Sampdoria’s only Serie A league title in 1991, established himself as one of Italy’s most accomplished players, notably securing six Coppa Italia titles during his career. His playing journey began in Serie A with Bologna in 1981, before a pivotal 15-year spell at Sampdoria starting in 1982. There, as a deep-lying forward, he formed the iconic ‘The Goal Twins’ partnership with Gianluca Vialli, contributing to their European Cup Winners’ Cup victory in 1990 and four Coppa Italia triumphs. Mancini later joined Lazio in 1997, where he added another Serie A Scudetto in the 1999-2000 season and two more Coppa Italia titles to his impressive tally.

Transitioning into management in 2001 with Fiorentina, Mancini immediately showcased his leadership by guiding the club to a Coppa Italia win in his inaugural season (2000–01). His success continued at Lazio from 2002 to 2004, securing another Coppa Italia title (2003–04). A defining period followed at Inter Milan from 2004 to 2008, where he delivered three consecutive Serie A titles (2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08) and two further Coppa Italia wins. Mancini then took the helm at Manchester City in December 2009, ending the club’s 35-year trophy drought with an FA Cup victory in the 2010–11 season, and famously clinching their first Premier League title in 44 years during the 2011–12 season.

Although the team later failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Mancini’s transformative impact on the national squad remained significant. He subsequently took on the role of manager for the Saudi Arabia national team in 2023, concluding his tenure in 2024, continuing to build a legacy across international football.