Pastorello: Italian clubs wanted Inzaghi this summer, but he chose to stay at Al-Hilal
Quick summary
Simone Inzaghi's agent Tullio Pastorello says several Italian clubs tried to sign the coach this summer, but Inzaghi opted to remain at Al-Hilal.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSimone Inzaghi was wanted by clubs in Italy again this summer but had no intention of leaving Al-Hilal, according to his agent.
With quotes via Calciomercato.com , Federico Pastorello told Sportmediaset that the former Lazio and Inter coach will take stock of his future at the end of the season.
Inzaghi left Inter for Riyadh in June 2025, days after the 5-0 Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. He signed a two-year deal, reportedly worth around €26m a season, which runs until June 2027.
“Was there ever the chance of returning to Italy this summer? A year of experience helped him a lot, then at the end of the season we’ll take stock. Nothing is closed either way, and obviously the club’s wishes will also have to be considered.”
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – APRIL 13: Simone Inzaghi team Manager of Al Hilal FC during the AFC Champions League Elite game between Al Hilal FC and Al Sadd SC at Prince Abdullah AlFaisal Sports City on April 13, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images) Inzaghi wanted by Italian clubs every summer Pastorello made clear that the interest from home has not dried up.
“Every summer there are four or five clubs looking for him, including from Italy, including this summer, but there wasn’t even any need to approach him because his wish was to stay.”
Inzaghi spent five years in charge of Lazio, winning the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa titles, before moving to Inter in 2021. There he won the Scudetto, two Coppa Italia titles and three Supercoppe, and reached two Champions League finals.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Pastorello also represents Francesco Acerbi, who has been without a club since his Inter contract expired in June. The 38-year-old defender played under Inzaghi at both Lazio and Inter.
“He’s very keen to come back, but we have to find the right thing. We need to find a setting suited to his ability and his status.”
Sassuolo and Bologna were linked with Acerbi over the summer, while Atalanta reportedly ruled out a move last month.
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What happened
Tullio Pastorello, the agent of Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi, has revealed that multiple Italian clubs made approaches to hire the former Inter Milan and Lazio manager during the summer window. Despite the interest, Inzaghi decided to continue his project at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Pastorello framed the decision as a deliberate choice, suggesting Inzaghi is committed to the long-term vision at the Riyadh-based club rather than returning to Serie A at this stage.
Chance analysis
Inzaghi's decision to spurn Serie A overtures is a quiet statement of intent from Al-Hilal, who continue to position themselves as a destination project for elite European coaches rather than a short-term showcase. For Italian clubs circling — likely including sides in need of a top-level tactician — the door has closed for now, which could redirect the search toward alternative candidates in the upcoming coaching market. The episode also reflects how Saudi Arabia's pull has shifted from player recruitment to managerial recruitment, with Inzaghi now established as a central figure in that ecosystem.
Al-Hilal retain their head coach and tactical identity, while interested Italian clubs must look elsewhere for a manager.