Roberto Mancini believes Saudi Arabia's overwhelming numerical advantage in the stands will give them the edge in their Asian Cup last-16 clash with South Korea on Tuesday.
Saudi supporters are expected to turn out in force for the match at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, evoking memories of the 2022 World Cup when the Green Falcons were one of the tournament's best-supported sides.
Mancini believes his team are improving with every game but knows they will have to be at their best against one of the pre-tournament favourites.
His side are unbeaten so far in Qatar, winning two and drawing one of their three group games. "We are happy because we will have 12 players on the pitch, our supporters will really push us, and you know now is a different time from [previous] matches against Korea," said Mancini, dismissing a 1-0 friendly defeat when the two sides met at Newcastle United's St James's Park last September. "I am sure we will do a very good job and it will be a very good game.