Pioli sacked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr after trophy-less season

Stefano Pioli has officially parted ways with Al Nassr, bringing his brief stint in Saudi Arabia to an end after less than a season in charge.

The Riyadh-based club confirmed the decision on Wednesday, issuing a statement thanking the Italian coach and his staff for their service.

“Mr Pioli and his staff are no longer the acting coaching staff of the first team,” the club announced, adding: “We appreciate all the efforts made by him and his staff, and wish them success.”

Pioli, 59, joined Al Nassr in September 2024 following his exit from AC Milan, where he won the Serie A title in 2022 and was named Coach of the Year.

He replaced Luis Castro, who was dismissed earlier that year, but ultimately failed to deliver silverware despite a squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran.

His time at Al Nassr ends with the team finishing third in the Saudi Pro League. That position was only secured after a successful legal appeal over a league fixture, which ensured their qualification for next season’s AFC Champions League.

The Italian is now widely expected to return to Fiorentina, the club he once played for and later managed between 2017 and 2019. Reports in Italy suggest a deal is close, with the Viola seeking an experienced figure to lead them back into European contention.

Al Nassr are now on the lookout for a fourth permanent manager since Ronaldo joined in late 2022.

Belgian coach Marc Brys, currently in charge of the Cameroon national team, is believed to be a leading candidate. Brys has past experience in Saudi football and is reportedly open to a return.

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