
Former Inter coach hoping Saudi club comes up trumps
Simone Inzaghi has taken over as head coach of Al-Hilal, a day after leaving Inter Milan and two weeks before the Saudi Arabian team's first game at the Club World Cup.
Inzaghi signed a two-year deal after Al-Hilal lured him with an offer of reportedly more than 20 million euros ($A35 million) per season.
"The Italian genius is here," the Saudi club said in a social media post.
Inter were routed 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final last Saturday, marking the most lopsided defeat in the 70-year history of major European finals.
The 49-year-old Inzaghi coached Inter to the Serie A title last year and was also in charge when the Nerazzurri lost the 2023 Champions League title to Manchester City.
He was at Inter for four years.
Al-Hilal open their Club World Cup campaign against Real Madrid on June 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
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