Al-Nassr FC has officially announced the termination of contract with first-team manager Stefano Pioli. The club expressed gratitude to Pioli and his coaching staff for their efforts during their tenure and wished them success in future endeavors.
The 59-year-old Pioli took charge of Al-Nassr in September last year. During the 2024-25 season, he guided the team to a third-place finish in the Saudi Pro League and saw them eliminated in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League Elite.
In his time at Al-Nassr, Pioli oversaw 44 matches, recording 28 wins, 7 draws, and 9 losses. While his win rate exceeded 60%, the team’s performance fell short of the club’s expectations in key tournaments and matches against top rivals.
According to prior reports, Pioli is likely to return to manage Fiorentina, where fans anticipate his reunion with the club he once led to notable achievements.
Pioli’s dismissal has reignited discussions about a perceived "manager curse" surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo. Since CR7 joined Al-Nassr, the club has seen a high turnover of managers, each bringing tactical shifts and changes to the dressing room dynamic. Debates have intensified about the Portuguese star’s tactical fit with managers and his influence in the squad. So, who will be the next manager to work alongside CR7?
