Former Italy coach Roberto Mancini stormed off in fury during a penalty shootout when Saudi Arabia were knocked out of the Asian Cup by Jurgen Klinsmann’s South Korea.
The EURO 2020 winner left the Azzurri suddenly in August to take on the new and very lucrative role in Saudi Arabia.
His team had been cruising through to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup thanks to an Abdullah Radif goal, but South Korea equalised at the 99th minute through Cho Gue Sung.
It went to a penalty shoot-out and there was controversy when Mancini wanted VAR to order the retake of the Sami Al-Najei spot-kick, claiming the South Korean goalkeeper did not have his foot on the goalline.
He stormed away down the tunnel and did not even see the final kicks, with Abdulrahman Ghareeb’s effort saved.
Mancini later claimed he had simply miscalculated the number of kicks taken and thought the shoot-out was over.
Roberto Mancini left before the end of the penalty shoot out… 👀#AsianCup2023 #HayyaAsia pic.twitter.com/rwZKzNTIoF
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 30, 2024
Saudi Arabia had topped their group thanks to a 2-1 win over Oman, 2-0 with Kirghizstan and the 0-0 draw with Thailand.
The Asian Cup Final is on February 12.
"That's a coach who has given up on his players and is ready to leave!"
Didier Domi was not impressed with the actions of Saudi Arabia boss Roberto Mancini walking off during a penalty shootout!#AsianCup2023 #HayyaAsia pic.twitter.com/vWYa8WVn3T
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 30, 2024