Inzaghi Leaves Inter Milan for Al-Hilal in Major Career Move | OneFootball

Inzaghi’s New Chapter: From Inter Milan to Al Hilal

Simone Inzaghi’s managerial career has taken a fresh turn, with the Italian coach signing on as the new head coach of Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal just a day after leaving Inter Milan. The decision marks a new phase for Inzaghi, who had a rollercoaster few years at the helm of the Nerazzurri.

A Rapid Exit from Inter Milan

Inzaghi’s time at Inter came to an end following a disheartening 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025 Champions League final. This crushing loss meant the club’s first trophyless season since the 2019-20 campaign. Despite the setbacks, Inzaghi’s tenure at Inter saw the team claim the Serie A title in 2023-24, while also bagging two Coppa Italia victories. However, his managerial journey was marred by another final defeat in the 2023 Champions League, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Manchester City.

Following the end of his contract with Inter, Inzaghi wasted no time securing his next move. A mere 24 hours after leaving Milan, he was confirmed as the new coach of Al-Hilal. The two-year deal sees him taking on a new challenge in the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Hilal’s Ambitions and Inzaghi’s New Challenge

Inzaghi inherits a star-studded squad at Al-Hilal, with key players such as former Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo, ex-Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, and striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, previously of Fulham. However, the challenge for the Italian coach will be to get these players firing on all cylinders and deliver success on the continental stage.

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The managerial shift follows a period of uncertainty at Al-Hilal, as Jorge Jesus, the former Portuguese coach, led the club to a Saudi Pro League title but was dismissed after an early exit from the Asian Champions League semi-finals. With expectations high, Inzaghi’s arrival will be pivotal to the club’s future trajectory.

Inzaghi’s Financial Boost and First Test in the US

Reports in Italy suggest that Inzaghi’s contract with Al-Hilal is worth a staggering 30 million euros (£25.3m) per season, a figure that reflects the high-profile nature of the move. As Inzaghi adjusts to his new role, his first major test will be guiding Al-Hilal in the Club World Cup. Inzaghi’s side will face Real Madrid in the opening match of the tournament, set to take place in Miami on 18 June.

While Al-Hilal’s current squad has quality, it remains to be seen how quickly Inzaghi can implement his methods and mould the team into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level. His focus will likely be on building a solid foundation while aiming for success in both domestic and international competitions.

A New Chapter in the Middle East

Inzaghi’s decision to leave Inter Milan and move to Al-Hilal represents the growing global appeal of the Saudi Pro League, with top-tier European coaches and players now considering lucrative offers from the Middle East. As the football landscape continues to shift, Inzaghi’s next steps at Al-Hilal will undoubtedly be watched with interest, as he seeks to restore the club’s stature on the global stage.