RIYADH: 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 euros.

“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 49-year-old 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 euros ($34.25 million) per season.

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.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes this week said he rejected Al Hilal’s reported $135 million offer because he wanted to “continue to play at the highest level”.

Inzaghi’s Inter slumped 5-0 to Qatar-funded Paris St-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final. His departure was confirmed on Tuesday.

The former forward guided Inter to one Serie A title and two Italian Cups since joining in 2021. He took them to two Champions League finals in three seasons but lost both.

Inzaghi 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.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2025