Al-Nassr officially parted ways with manager Luis Castro after a disappointing start to the season and has swiftly appointed former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli as his replacement.

This marks the third managerial change since Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at the Saudi Pro League club, as they look to revitalize their season under new leadership.

Who is Stefano Pioli?

Stefano Pioli is a well-known figure in Italian football, both as a former player and a successful manager. During his playing days, Pioli gained prominence with Juventus, where he secured both the Serie A title and the European Cup, cementing his status as a key figure in Italian football history.

After hanging up his boots, Pioli transitioned into coaching in 1999, starting with Bologna’s Under-18 team. His managerial breakthrough came in 2003 when he took charge of Salernitana.

Over the years, Pioli developed his career exclusively in Italy, managing a range of Serie A clubs, including Bologna, Lazio, Fiorentina, and Inter Milan. However, it was during his tenure at AC Milan that Pioli truly made his mark.

Pioli took over as head coach of AC Milan in 2019, and after three years at the helm, he guided the Rossoneri to their first Serie A title in over a decade in 2022. His leadership earned him the Serie A Manager of the Season award.

Despite his success, Pioli parted ways with Milan after finishing second in the 2023-24 season.

Notably, Pioli has never managed outside of Italy before, making his move to Al-Nassr his first venture into international club management. The Saudi club will be hoping that Pioli’s experience and tactical acumen can translate into success in the Roshn Saudi League.

What Can Al-Nassr Expect from Stefano Pioli?

With three matchweeks already played in the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League, Al-Nassr find itself in seventh place, having secured one win and two draws.

Stefano Pioli's stint with Al Nassr started in a fantastic fashion as they won 3-0 against Al Ettifaq in his first Saudi Pro League match.

Al-Nassr’s supporters are now pinning their hopes on Pioli, whose reputation for guiding teams to success precedes him. His ability to end AC Milan’s decade-long title drought in Serie A suggests that he could bring similar fortune to Al-Nassr, who are still searching for major silverware despite their high-profile signings.