From Chukwueze to Cristiano Ronaldo: Former Milan boss Pioli set for Al Nassr adventure

Former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli is on the verge of taking over at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he will get to work with global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Luis Castro’s tenure at Al Nassr came to an abrupt end just three games into the new season after a club statement confirmed his departure, thanking him for his efforts during his 14-month stint in charge.

Castro led Al Nassr to a second-place finish last season, behind rivals Al-Hilal, despite Ronaldo's incredible tally of 35 goals last season.

However, a disappointing start to the current campaign, including a 4-1 loss in the Saudi Super Cup and two 1-1 draws against mid-table teams, forced the club to seek new leadership.

Al Nassr have now turned to Stefano Pioli, the Italian tactician who left AC Milan at the end of the 2023/24 season.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Pioli has accepted the offer and is ready to embark on his Saudi adventure.

Stefano Pioli is no stranger to big challenges. At AC Milan, he revived the club’s fortunes, transforming them from a struggling giant to Serie A champions, famously guiding Milan to their first Serie A title in 11 years in 2022.

Al Nassr is hoping that Pioli can work similar miracles and steer the team to the Saudi Pro League title, a feat that eluded Castro last season.