Cristiano Ronaldo nears new coach: Top manager approaching Al-Nassr
Former Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti could soon find himself back on the sidelines—this time in the Middle East. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr is preparing to offer the veteran coach a lucrative contract to lead the team in the upcoming season. The deal would not only mark a quick return to coaching for the 66-year-old Tuscan tactician, but it would also see him replace fellow Italian Stefano Pioli, who is set to take over at Fiorentina.
Spalletti had taken over Italy’s national team after Roberto Mancini resigned in 2023, following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Despite hopes of a new era under Spalletti, Italy’s performances under his leadership failed to meet expectations. The team was eliminated in the Round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2024 after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Switzerland. But the final blow came in early June when Italy suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Norway during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. That result ultimately led to Spalletti’s dismissal from the national team.
Spalletti’s appointment as Italy manager had come after he famously led Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades during the 2022–2023 season. It was only the third Scudetto in the club’s history, with the previous two having come in 1986–87 and 1989–90 under the leadership of Argentine icon Diego Maradona. That league triumph with Napoli had cemented Spalletti’s reputation as one of the top tactical minds in Italian soccer.
Now, with his time at the helm of the national team behind him, Spalletti is rumored to be seriously considering the offer from Al-Nassr. The Saudi club is reportedly willing to provide a massive financial package to secure his signature. Should the deal go through, Spalletti would have the opportunity to coach Cristiano Ronaldo, who has confirmed that he will remain with Al-Nassr for at least one more season, despite speculation of a summer exit.
At 66, Spalletti could view this move not only as a chance for financial reward, but also as an opportunity to work in a growing footballing market. The Saudi Pro League has seen significant investment in recent years and has attracted several top international stars. Leading a club like Al-Nassr—one of the most ambitious and well-funded teams in the region—could serve as both a new challenge and a fresh chapter in his storied career.
Whether he accepts the offer remains to be seen, but all signs point to Spalletti being one of the top candidates for the Al-Nassr job. For now, he remains a free agent with global experience, a recent domestic title, and unfinished business in international soccer.