Al Ittihad appoint former AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli

Stefano Pioli has been appointed as the new head coach of Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad, according to Fabrizio Romano. The 58-year-old Italian coach has signed a three-year contract with the club, marking his first managerial role outside of Italy.

🚨 EXCL: Stefano Pioli signs three year deal as new Al Ittihad manager! 🟡⚫️🇸🇦

Saudi’s back and Al Ittihad ready for new ambitious era with former Serie A winner manager at AC Milan.

Ittihad believe Pioli is perfect choice for new project.

Here we go. 🇮🇹🤝🏻 pic.twitter.com/CCnzyrH412

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Official: AC Milan announce Pioli departure

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2024

Pioli takes over from Marcelo Gallardo, who was officially relieved of his duties on Tuesday. Al Ittihad, determined to challenge rivals Al Hilal and Al Nassr in the upcoming season, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing campaign last year.

Pioli’s previous experience includes a successful five-year stint with AC Milan, where he significantly contributed to the club’s resurgence and won one Serie A title, finishing in Champions League spots for four seasons in a row. His managerial career in Italy also saw him at the helm of several other Serie A clubs, including Palermo, Chievo, Inter, Bologna, and Fiorentina.

With Stefano Pioli in Al Ittihad, reports in Italy suggest that he may want to reunite with one of his favorite players in Milan – Ismael Bennacer, who is open to a transfer in Saudi Arabia.