In a move that reflects rising ambitions, media reports revealed serious efforts by the Public Investment Fund in collaboration with the management of Saudi Al-Nassr Club to select a successor for Italian Stefano Pioli, who is nearing departure at the end of the current season.

This came following Al-Nassr's loss to Al-Ittihad with a score of 3-2 in the thirtieth round of the Roshan League, just days after being eliminated in the Asian competition against Kawasaki from Japan with the same score, which led to the team's drop to fourth place.

Since his appointment in September 2024 after leaving Milan, Pioli has failed to lead Al-Nassr to achieve any of its goals, as the team has exited the title race and bid farewell to the AFC Champions League, despite his contract running until June 2027.

Reports indicated that the Saudi investment fund proposed three major names to Al-Nassr's management to succeed Pioli, led by Carlo Ancelotti, the current coach of Real Madrid, who is also linked to coaching the Brazilian national team.

The second name on the list is Simone Inzaghi, the coach of Inter Milan, who is also being considered by Al-Hilal. The third option is Antonio Conte, coach of Napoli, who is contemplating leaving despite being close to winning the league title.

Al-Nassr is awaiting a decisive match against Al-Akhdood next Monday, in the 31st round of the Roshan League, at Prince Hithal City Stadium, where Al-Nassr has 60 points and only four matches remaining in the current season.