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Inzaghi-Led Al-Hilal Aim To Do Asia Proud

The Straits Times

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June 12, 2025

Former Inter coach has impressive squad who can make impact at Club World Cup

HONG KONG - Al-Hilal will be the standard-bearers for Asian football at the revamped Club World Cup starting this weekend, after appointing Simone Inzaghi to coach a squad bristling with playing talent from Saudi Arabia and around the world.

Big European names like Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have all joined Saudi captain Salem Al-Dawsari at the Riyadh-based club since they received major investment from the nation's Public Investment Fund.

Former Inter Milan coach Inzaghi, who lost in the Uefa Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain, takes over a side who fell short in their bid to win a fifth Asian Champions League title in May - a misstep that cost Jorge Jesus the chance to lead the Saudi Pro League team to the Club World Cup.

"My desire had always been to be able to go and coach abroad and for me, Al-Hilal is a great opportunity in my career. Al-Hilal is a club I know because I follow Arab football," said Inzaghi.

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