Former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has been unveiled as the new manager of Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr. Pioli will replace Luis Castro, who was dismissed after a poor start to the 2024-25 season.
Pioli, who is embarking on his first coaching challenge outside his native Italy, reportedly signed a three-year contract.
Pioli becomes the latest coach who will be tasked with trying to lead the star-studded Al Nassr to glory. He inherits a team that is fronted by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, ex-Liverpool star forward Sadio Mane, and former Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, but failed to meet high expectations.
Despite having championship aspirations last season, Al Nassr finished second in the standings, trailing champions Al Hilal by 12 points. They also opened the new season with underwhelming performances, having just one win in three games.
Stefano Pioli is best known for his run with Milan between 2019 and 2024, which included Seria A title in 2021–22. This was the first national league trophy for the storied club since 2010–11 and only the third one in this century. Pioli left Milan at the end of the last season following a second-place finish.
Earlier in his career, Pioli also coached Bologna, Lazio, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina, among several other clubs. He has a career record of 364 wins, 250 draws, and 257 losses.
