SBOTOP: Luciano Spalletti to Leave Italy National Team for Al Nassr Job?

Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al Nassr is reportedly setting the stage for a high-profile managerial change ahead of the 2025/26 season. According to multiple sources, the club is preparing a substantial offer to appoint Luciano Spalletti, the former Italy national team manager, as the new head coach—replacing Stefano Pioli, who is expected to return to Serie A.

Pioli Set for Fiorentina Return, Al Nassr Eyes Spalletti

Stefano Pioli, who guided Al Nassr through a transitional period, is believed to have reached a verbal agreement with Fiorentina for a managerial comeback in Italy. With Pioli’s departure imminent, Al Nassr’s management has turned their full attention to securing Spalletti—viewed as a top-tier tactician with a wealth of experience at both club and international levels.

Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Al Nassr is ready to table a lucrative contract in a bid to convince Spalletti to make the move to Saudi Arabia. However, it remains uncertain whether the 65-year-old coach is willing to embrace the challenge of Middle Eastern football, especially after a demanding tenure with the Azzurri.

Spalletti’s Time with Italy Comes to a Close

Luciano Spalletti officially ended his spell with the Italy national team following a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Norway in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite that result, he managed to conclude his tenure on a slightly more positive note with a 2-0 victory over Moldova.

In total, Spalletti oversaw 24 matches as Italy’s head coach, recording 12 wins, 6 draws, and 6 defeats. While his time with the national team didn’t yield silverware, his tactical acumen and structured approach brought a sense of stability to the squad following Roberto Mancini’s departure.

Al Nassr’s Ambition: A New Era Under Spalletti?

Al Nassr, home to global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, has demonstrated its ambition to build a world-class football institution by investing heavily in both players and coaching staff. Recruiting a seasoned tactician like Spalletti would be a clear signal of their intent to compete not only domestically but also on the Asian continental stage.

The club’s interest in Spalletti follows a broader trend of European coaches making the move to the Saudi Pro League. Figures such as Roberto Mancini and Simone Inzaghi have already taken up roles in Saudi football, setting a precedent that Spalletti could potentially follow.

If the deal materializes, Spalletti would bring with him a rich coaching pedigree, including Serie A titles with Napoli and significant spells with Roma, Inter Milan, and Zenit Saint Petersburg. His expertise could play a key role in elevating Al Nassr’s tactical identity and competing at a higher level across all competitions.

What’s Next for Spalletti?

At this point, Spalletti’s future remains undecided. While the financial and professional appeal of Al Nassr’s offer is undeniable, the veteran coach may weigh it against other potential opportunities in European football or a break from the sidelines altogether.

The coming weeks are expected to provide clarity, with Al Nassr reportedly keen to finalize their managerial setup before pre-season preparations begin.

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