Italian Football Federation exploring legal action against Roberto Mancini after ex-national team manager left suddenly to move to Saudi Arabia

Mancini resigned from his role as Italy boss in August after five years at the helm in which he guided them to Euro 2020 success but failed to qualify for last year's World Cup.

However, two weeks later he was confirmed as new Saudi Arabia manager, having signed a four-year contract.

The FIGC backed Mancini to continue his work with the national team despite their absence from the World Cup in Qatar and president Gabriele Gravina has confirmed that they have hired a lawyer over a possible legal case against the 58-year-old.

"The council has mandated a professional to obtain a technical legal opinion to understand what type of opportunities there may be for compensation," Gravina told a Federal Council meeting, according to Repubblica.

"Last night we met with Mancini, we said goodbye for a moment because respect and education are key values of sport."

Italy, now under the leadership of Luciano Spalletti, will take on Malta in Euro 2024 qualifying before facing England in October.