Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli favorite to become national team manager this summer: Reports
Stefano Pioli could part ways with Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr to take charge of the Italy national team, according to acclaimed journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. The Italian manager is expected to leave the Saudi club this summer after failing to guide them to silverware this season.
Pioli's team finished third in the Saudi Pro League and were knocked out of the AFC Champions League Elite in the semifinals. They lost 4-1 to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup final and couldn't progress past the Round of 16 in the King's Cup.
Recent reports have suggested that Al-Nassr are looking to replace Pioli with former AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao. It now appears that the Italian manager isn't short of options either.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have now confirmed that Luciano Spalletti will vacate his position as Italy manager after Monday's game against Moldova. The events follow the demoralizing 3-0 defeat to Norway last week, and it now appears that Pioli is the favorite to take over the Azzurri.
The Italian manager took charge of Al-Nassr in September last year. It is safe to say that he hasn't been able to get the best out of Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. Pioli will now hope to help Italy qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he's appointed their manager. The Azzurri are currently fourth in Group I, with Norway leading the table.
How many games has Cristiano Ronaldo played under Stefano Pioli for Al-Nassr?
Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared 36 times under Stefano Pioli for Al-Nassr, registering 31 goals and three assists. Unfortunately for the Italian, even the presence of one of the best strikers in the world couldn't propel his team to silverware.
Pioli joined the Saudi Pro League club as a replacement for Luis Castro and oversaw 43 games in charge. He registered 27 wins and nine defeats, with the team scoring 97 goals during his tenure.
Interestingly, the Italian is the fourth manager Cristiano Ronaldo has played under since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022 after parting ways with Manchester United. The Portuguese superstar initially started under Rudi Garcia, who was let go in April 2023.
Dinko Jelicic remained briefly in charge before Lusi Castro took charge that summer. The Portuguese manager oversaw 54 games in charge before Pioli took over last year. Meanwhile, Ronaldo's contract with the Riyadh-based club also expires at the end of this month, and his future remains uncertain.
