Reasons for optimism as Saudi Arabia boss Roberto Mancini searches for winning formula

Roberto Mancini may still be searching for his first win as Saudi Arabia manager but there are reasons for optimism ahead of Tuesday night's clash with Mali in Portugal.

The September camp, which saw Saudi Arabia lose back-to-back games against Costa Rica and South Korea in Mancini’s second week in the job, was merely an opportunity for the Italian to learn about the players at his disposal, with no clear idea of what can be expected apart from Mancini's adoption of a 4-3-3 formation.

But in the third and most recent game of his fledgling reign, Friday's 2-2 draw against Nigeria, patterns of play and a glimpse of the system the former Italy boss plans to employ started to take shape.

The selection of Hassan Tambakti, arguably the nation’s most highly-rated centre-back, on the right of a four-man defence raised eyebrows, but once the game got underway, it was clear how Mancini wanted to use the 24-year-old Al Hilal player.

The Italian set up his team to defend with a back-four but attack with a back-three, with Tambakti tucking in alongside Abdulelah Al Amri and the left-footed Ali Al Bulayhi, while Nasser Al Dawsari pushed higher up from his starting position at left-back.

Al Amri and Al Bulayhi struggled to contain Nigeria’s attack, with the pace of Victor Boniface and the physicality of Victor Osimhen causing trouble time and time again. If not for poor finishing from Ademola Lookman, Manicni’s side would have found themselves staring at a third consecutive defeat.

Set to face another side with similar attacking qualities to Nigeria in Mali, Mancini is likely to continue with the same defensive approach, but he could opt for a change of personnel to firm up his starting XI, with only one more international window to