Latest news with #SimoneInzaghi
Saudi Gazette
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Al Hilal withdraws from 2025 Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong; SAFF to consider Al Ahli as replacement
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced Monday that it has officially received a letter from Al Hilal Club confirming the team's withdrawal from the 2025 Saudi Super Cup, scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from August 19 to 23. In a statement, SAFF said it will begin taking the necessary steps in accordance with the tournament's regulations and governing statutes through the relevant committees. The matter will be handled under the organizational framework of the Saudi Super Cup, with the Competitions Committee tasked with completing the formal process. Al Hilal's decision comes after the club concluded its season in July following an extended historic run in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With limited time remaining before the start of the new season, head coach Simone Inzaghi opted to rest the squad, which has not yet begun preseason preparations. SAFF reiterated its commitment to upholding approved regulations and protecting the rights of all parties involved, in line with its statutes ratified by the General said that the federation is preparing to invite Al Ahli to replace Al Hilal, pending the club's full readiness to participate. An official decision is expected to follow same sources confirmed that SAFF has rejected the notion of automatically advancing Al Qadsiah to the final due to the absence of a semifinal opponent, noting that such a scenario would contradict Article 8 of the tournament to Article 8, any club withdrawing after the official schedule is announced is considered in violation and will be referred to the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee for withdrawing club may be required to pay financial penalties of up to SR500,000 and compensate for any damages or losses incurred, with SAFF determining the value of the compensation.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Al-Hilal get their man! Theo Hernandez completes switch from AC Milan to Saudi Pro League in €25m deal
Hernandez shifts base to Riyadh Has signed a three-year contract Will earn a whopping €20m per year Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? Al-Hilal shelled out £22.8m ($30.3m) for the left-back who is a product of the Atletico Madrid youth academy before making a move to cross-town giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2017. In July 2019, AC Milan secured Hernandez's services on a long-term contract, and it was in Italy that he truly flourished. THE BIGGER PICTURE Across five impressive seasons with the Rossoneri, Hernandez made 262 appearances, found the net 34 times, and assisted 45 goals, a remarkable return for a defender. His performances played a pivotal role in Milan's rise, including their triumphant 2021-22 Serie A title win and the Italian Super Cup victory in January 2025. DID YOU KNOW? According to multiple reports, Hernandez will earn a staggering €20 million (£17m/$23m) per year at Al Hilal. The club already boasts the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrovic, all experienced players with Premier League credentials. Adding Hernandez to that mix gives the squad further pedigree, particularly on the defensive flank. WHAT NEXT? Hernandez will be working under newly-appointed head coach Simone Inzaghi, who took charge earlier this summer after parting ways with Inter Milan. He is likely to make his debut in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal against Al-Qadsiyah on August 20.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report – Italy Veteran Defender Set To Stay At Inter Milan Until Next Summer
Veteran defender Matteo Darmian will spend one more season at Inter Milan despite earlier doubts surrounding his future. According to FCInterNews, the 35-year-old will stay at San Siro until the expiry of his contract next summer. Matteo Darmian joined Inter from Parma in 2020. Though he initially signed on a season-long loan, the Nerazzurri made his transfer permanent the following summer. Darmian has since been a permanent first-team fixture under two different managers. Matteo Darmian Set for Inter Milan Stay In addition to his long-serving loyalty, Darmian is among the most experienced players in the squad. Furthermore, he even challenged Denzel Dumfries for a starting berth until the start of last season. However, the Dutchman had a campaign of his life, significantly reducing Darmian's playing time. Despite Dumfries' rise to prominence, the ex-AC Milan defender was still a useful cog in Simone Inzaghi's machine. Therefore, he will remain at Inter for one more season, which will be his sixth consecutive year at Giuseppe Meazza. While there's been no confirmation yet, Francesco Acerbi should also remain with the Nerazzurri for 2025/26.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report – Veteran Defender Keen To Stay At Inter Milan Amid Premier League Interest
Francesco Acerbi has no intention of leaving Inter Milan a year before the expiry of his contract at Stadio San Siro. Per FCInterNews, the veteran defender is not interested in leaving Serie A despite drawing inquiries from the Premier League. Advertisement Francesco Acerbi has entered the final year of his contract at Inter Milan. Despite his impressive form in 2024/25, the club won't offer him a new deal, considering he's already 37. Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi has decided against taking his ex-Nerazzurri pupil to Al-Hilal. Francesco Acerbi Eager to Stay at Inter Milan SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Francesco Acerbi #15 of FC Internazionale Milano walks on the field prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by) Although Inter won't extend Acerbi's contract, they will likely stick with the former Lazio star for another season. Indeed, the club will not pay €500,000 to terminate his deal this summer. Meanwhile, the player is perfectly fine with staying at San Siro for another year. After Inzaghi's decision not to sign him at Al-Hilal, Acerbi has no interest in leaving his homeland. Furthermore, despite drawing attention from the Premier League, it wouldn't be a switch to a top club.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report – Inter Milan & Italy Veteran Rejects Inzaghi & Al-Hilal
Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi has rejected the chance to join Simone Inzaghi at Al-Hilal this summer. This according to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInterNews. They report that the 37-year-old's priority is to stay at Inter. Advertisement Francesco Acerbi has been an Inter Milan player for the past three years. He joined from Lazio in the summer of 2022. During that period, Acerbi has been a stalwart at the back for Inter. However, there is no getting around the fact that Acerbi is now well into his thirties. He will turn 38 next season. Inter Defender Francesco Acerbi Rejects Chance To Join Inzaghi At Al-Hilal PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Francesco Acerbi #15 of FC Internazionale Milano warms up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) Reportedly, Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal are keen to sign Acerbi. The Saudi club have already appointed former Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi. And Inzaghi is keen to have a familiar face join him, in the form of Acerbi. However, according to SportMediaset, the Italian international does not want to drop down to a lower sporting level by making the move to the Saudi top flight. Advertisement Rather, Acerbi is keen to continue playing at a high level. Therefore, the 37-year-old may well prioritize staying at Inter. On the other hand, Inter could terminate Acerbi's contract by paying the defender out a clause of €500,000.
