Italian football chiefs may sue Mancini after he surprisingly quit the Azzurri

President Gabriele Gravina has revealed the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is considering suing former Italy coach Roberto Mancini.

Mancini quit the helm of the Azzurri in August and shortly after it was announced he was taking over the Saudi Arabia national team in a big-money deal.

Gravina said that a meeting of the FIGC's federal council had decided to seek legal advice about a possible law suit to claim damages.

Last month it was reported in Italy that his contract until 2027 is worth £21.5million after tax per year.

He resigned from his role with the Azzurri on August 13, ending a five-year spell in which Italy won Euro 2020 but missed out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

Herve Renard stepped down as Saudi Arabia's coach in March.

Mancini's first match in charge of the Saudi team ended in a 3-1 friendly defeat by Costa Rica at St James' Park.

He was later prevented from conducting his usual post-match press duties after Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Sport imposed a media blackout.

Typically, a manager will address both the written and broadcast media after every match regardless of the result, with only exceedingly rare exceptions made.

As a result of the blackout being imposed, Mancini was barred from discussing the loss on Tyneside. Newcastle United were not involved in the decision.

Indeed, the silence was instead ordered by the Saudi government, Sky Sports claim.

Luciano Spalletti, who led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years last season, has replaced Mancini as Italy boss.