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Agencies

Former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi was revealed as the new coach of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal on Thursday, days before they take part in the new-look Club World Cup.
The Italian, who led Inter to a heavy defeat in Saturday’s Champions League final, had earlier played down rumours of a two-year deal worth €50 million (US$57 million).
“I am Simone Inzaghi and today begins my story with Al-Hilal,” he said in a slickly produced video posted on X, in which he sips Arabian coffee and pins an Al-Hilal lapel badge on his suit.
Inzaghi, 49, becomes just the latest high-profile footballing acquisition for oil-rich Saudi Arabia, which will host the World Cup in 2034.
“The Italian genius is here,” Al-Hilal posted. “Welcome, Simone Inzaghi.”


The Saudi club said that the Italian had penned a two-year contract, with the signing taking place in Paris.
Italian media reported that it could be worth up to €30 million per season.
A statement on Al-Hilal’s official website said: “Inzaghi will soon begin supervising the first team’s training at the club’s headquarters in Riyadh in preparation for the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States of America, which will begin on Sunday, June 15.
“Al-Hilal will face Real Madrid in its first match in the tournament, which will be held on Wednesday, June 18, in Miami, USA.”
Inzaghi joins the likes of Ruben Neves and Aleksandar Mitrovic at Al-Hilal, which let injury-hit Neymar go in January after just seven appearances since his arrival in August 2023.

A source with knowledge of the negotiations last week said that the “first option” for Cristiano Ronaldo, who had signalled he was leaving rival club Al-Nassr, could be a move to Al-Hilal.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes this week said he rejected Al-Hilal’s reported US$135 million offer because he wanted to “continue to play at the highest level”.
On track to repeat the treble heroics of 2010 just a few weeks ago, Inter ended the season trophyless after falling away in each competition. Inter slumped 5-0 to Qatar-funded Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, after also losing the 2023 final to Manchester City.
However, the former forward won six trophies at Inter: one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia triumphs and three Italian Super Cups since joining in 2021.
Inzaghi, whose departure from Inter was confirmed on Tuesday, will be looking to add to his collection with Al-Hilal, who have been crowned Saudi Arabian champions a record 19 times and have been Asian champions four times.
Inter, PSG, Real Madrid and Manchester City are also among the 32 teams at the expanded Club World Cup, which starts on June 15.


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Fifa

‘Italian genius’ Simone Inzaghi to coach Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal – first task: Real Madrid

Simone Inzaghi has signed a two-year contract with the  Saudi club, in a deal Italian media said could be worth up to US$34.25 million a season. Photo: EPA-EFE

Simone Inzaghi won six trophies in his four years with Inter Milan. Photo: AFP

Olympic great Simone Biles enjoys Hong Kong visit, shares snaps on Instagram

United States gymnast Simon Biles poses with the World Sportswoman of the Year award during the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid. Photo: Xinhua

China seek perfection in do-or-die World Cup qualifier clash against Indonesia

China’s Zhang Yuning, who could be paired with young striker Wang Yudong against Indonesia, said the team are preparing “like normal”. Photo: AFP

Zhang Yuning scores China’s second goal in their 2-1 win over Indonesia last October. Photo Reuters

Branko Ivankovic (left) and Zhang Yuning (right) agree Indonesia will be tough opponents. Photo: Xinhua

Sport

Football

The Italian, whose Inter Milan lost heavily in Saturday's Champions League final, will take four-time Asian champions to Club World Cup


The Italian, whose Inter Milan lost heavily in Saturday's Champions League final, will take four-time Asian champions to Club World Cup.


Saudi Pro League

Cristiano Ronaldo

Neymar

‘Italian genius’ Simone Inzaghi to coach Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal – first task: Real Madrid

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The Italian, whose Inter Milan lost heavily in Saturday's Champions League final, will take four-time Asian champions to Club World Cup

The Italian, whose Inter Milan lost heavily in Saturday's Champions League final, will take four-time Asian champions to Club World Cup