Inzaghi shocks Al-Hilal with Mahzari start as Nunez leads line vs MC Alger | OneFootball

Simone Inzaghi has sprung a surprise, naming Mohamed Mahzari in Al-Hilal’s starting XI to face MC Alger in Austria. The friendly is the third outing of their Austrian training camp for the 2026-2027 build-up.

Al-Riyadiah reported earlier on Wednesday that Mahzari and Ruben Neves underwent physical and fitness checks, casting doubt on their involvement. Mahzari only joined the camp last Monday after completing his move from Al-Taawoun.

New Dutch arrival Crysencio Summerville, signed from West Ham United, started on the bench. He could get a few minutes after the break.

Darwin Nunez led the line despite persistent reports he could leave this summer, or be omitted from the domestic list. Inzaghi paired him with Ivorian Mohamed Kader Meite, with Brazilian winger Malcom also starting.

Al-Hilal’s line-up was: goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais. Defence, Mohamed Mahzari, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ali Lajami, Mutaib Al-Harbi. Midfield, Nasser Al-Dawsari, Suhaib Al-Zaid, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Attack, Malcom, Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Kader Meite.

They have beaten Austria’s Sturm Graz 2-1 and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 during the camp. The programme wraps up on 3 August against Qatar’s Al-Ahli before the squad heads back to Riyadh.

Source: Goal.com