Official: Al-Nassr sack Ronaldo’s coach Stefano Pioli after another trophy-less season
Stefano Pioli has officially parted ways with Al-Nassr following a disappointing 2024–25 season in which the Saudi Pro League outfit failed to win a silverware, extending Cristiano Ronaldo’s trophy drought at the club.
The Italian tactician, who succeeded Luis Castro in September 2024, oversaw a third-place league finish and underwhelming runs in both the King’s Cup and AFC Champions League.
Despite high expectations upon his arrival from AC Milan, Pioli’s tenure fell short of the club’s ambitions.
Al-Nassr confirmed the decision in a statement: “Al Nassr Club Company informs that Mr Pioli and his staff are no more the acting coaching staff of the first team.
“We would like to thank Mr Pioli and his staff for their dedicated work during the past season.”
Pioli is now expected to return to Serie A, with Fiorentina widely reported as his next destination.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr are actively pursuing a replacement. Former FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao, a one-time teammate of Ronaldo at Sporting Lisbon, has emerged as a frontrunner for the role.
The managerial shake-up means Cristiano Ronaldo will be working under his fifth head coach in just over two years at Al-Nassr as preparations begin for the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League campaign, set to kick off in August.
