Simone Inzaghi's recent move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League marks a new chapter in his managerial career, one that follows a successful but ultimately bittersweet tenure with Inter Milan. Speaking ahead of his first match with Al-Hilal, a Club World Cup group stage opener against Real Madrid, Inzaghi addressed the circumstances surrounding his departure from Inter, acknowledging the sting of leaving after a trophyless end to the season, which included a humbling 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
The Italian manager's departure from Inter wasn't without controversy. While he secured a Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles, and three Supercoppa Italiana titles during his four years with the Nerazzurri, the failure to clinch the Champions League trophy loomed large. Despite guiding Inter to two Champions League finals, they lost on both occasions, first to Manchester City in 2023 and then to PSG in 2025. This, coupled with missing out on the Serie A title to Napoli in his final season, fueled speculation about his future with the club.
Adding fuel to the fire, Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada revealed that Inzaghi had agreed to join the Saudi club before the Champions League final. Calzada explained that while contact was established and a verbal agreement was in place, Inzaghi requested that the official signing be delayed out of respect for Inter and his focus on the final. This revelation led to questions in the Italian media about whether the Inter squad was aware of Inzaghi's impending move and if it had impacted their performance in the final.
Inzaghi addressed these concerns head-on, stating that he gave his all to Inter during his time there and that there should be no questions about his commitment. "Today I heard - or heard about - all sorts of things, as has often happened during the four years I was at Inter," Inzaghi said, "If this was the price to pay for my four years at Inter, I'll gladly pay it."
Defending his decision to move to Al-Hilal, Inzaghi explained that he wanted to "get out of his comfort zone" after several years at Inter. He expressed a desire to change his way of thinking, his style of play, and to try new things. He added that there was no other team he would have liked to coach, so he chose Al-Hilal.
The move to Al-Hilal presents Inzaghi with a new challenge in a league that is rapidly growing in prominence, attracting top players and managers from around the world. He aims to help Al-Hilal "win again and restore our place at the top of the league" after they finished second in the Saudi Pro League last season. He also emphasized the team's determination to reach the furthest point in the Club World Cup, stating, "We have passion and confidence here, and we will strive to give our best." He acknowledged the limited time he has had with the squad but praised their strong desire and admirable performance during training.
Inzaghi's legacy at Inter Milan is complex. He brought silverware and stability, but the failure to win the Champions League and the circumstances of his departure leave a sense of unfinished business. However, as he embarks on his new journey with Al-Hilal, Inzaghi seems determined to embrace the challenge and prove himself once again in a different footballing landscape.
