Doha: Al Sadd SC has appointed Italian Roberto Mancini as Head Coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal to lead its first football team. The move follows the dismissal of Spanish manager Felix Sanchez after poor domestic and continental results.

According to Qatar News Agency, Mancini, 60, arrives with a decorated resume, including league titles with Inter Milan and Manchester City, and a recent stint with Saudi Arabia's national team. Al Sadd, currently sixth in the Qatari Stars League and struggling in the AFC Champions League, hopes the veteran coach can revive its campaign and steer the club toward a third straight league title and a third Asian crown.