"I'm not a magician," said the Italian, when asked what he could promise the Saudi people - before pledging to go for AFC Asian Cup glory in January-February in Qatar.

 

"Our target is to try to win the Asian Cup after 27 years," he said.

"We have four months. We have four friendly matches. We have two games for the World Cup (qualifiers) and after we have 20 days to prepare for the Asian Cup.

 

"We know that there are many top teams like Japan, like Australia, like Korea (Republic). But I'm sure that we'll go there and we'll try to win."

The Green Falcons, who upset eventual winners Argentina in the group stage at last year's FIFA World Cup, have been without a coach since March, when Herve Renard left to take charge of France's women's team.

Mancini's first match will be a friendly against Costa Rica on September 8 at St James' Park, home of Newcastle United with Korea Republic to follow four days later at the same venue.