Pastorello: Italian Clubs Wanted Inzaghi This Summer But He Chose to Stay at Al-Hilal

FolioPitch.com – 08 October 2026 | Simone Inzaghi was courted by multiple Italian clubs during the summer transfer window, but the former Inter and Lazio coach had no intention of leaving Al-Hilal, according to his agent Federico Pastorello. In an interview with Sportmediaset, Pastorello Italian clubs wanted Inzaghi this summer but he chose to stay at Al-Hilal, revealing that the 50-year-old tactician is fully committed to his project in Saudi Arabia.

Inzaghi made the shock move to Riyadh in June 2025, just days after suffering a 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. He signed a lucrative two-year contract worth a reported €26 million per season, tying him to the Saudi Pro League outfit until June 2027. Despite the disappointing end to his Inter tenure, Inzaghi’s reputation in Italy remains high, and several Serie A clubs reportedly explored the possibility of bringing him back.

“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,” Pastorello explained. The agent emphasized that Inzaghi’s focus is entirely on Al-Hilal, though a decision on his future will be made at the end of the season. “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.”

The revelation that Pastorello Italian clubs wanted Inzaghi this summer but he chose to stay at Al-Hilal underscores the coach’s determination to succeed abroad. Inzaghi spent five years at Lazio, winning the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa titles, before joining Inter in 2021. At Inter, he added a Scudetto, two more Coppa Italia trophies, and three Supercoppa Italiana titles to his cabinet, while also reaching two Champions League finals. His departure left a void at the Nerazzurri, but his decision to stay in Saudi Arabia suggests he is not ready to return to Italy just yet.

Pastorello also represents veteran defender Francesco Acerbi, who has been without a club since his Inter contract expired in June. The 38-year-old, who played under Inzaghi at both Lazio and Inter, is eager to find a new team. “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,” Pastorello said. Sassuolo and Bologna were linked with Acerbi over the summer, while Atalanta reportedly ruled out a move last month. Despite his age, Acerbi’s experience and leadership qualities make him an attractive option for clubs seeking defensive reinforcement.

Inzaghi’s continued success in Saudi Arabia could further enhance his coaching credentials. Al-Hilal, one of Asia’s most successful clubs, have invested heavily in their squad and are aiming for domestic and continental glory. Under Inzaghi, they have shown promising signs, and his presence has attracted attention from Europe. However, for now, the Italian remains committed to his role, and any return to Serie A would likely have to wait until at least the end of his contract.

The interest from Italian clubs is a testament to Inzaghi’s tactical acumen and ability to deliver trophies. Clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, and Roma have all been linked with him in the past, and his availability would undoubtedly spark a frenzy among top Serie A sides. Yet, as Pastorello Italian clubs wanted Inzaghi this summer but he chose to stay at Al-Hilal, it is clear that the coach values stability and the challenge of building something new in the Middle East.

For now, Inzaghi’s immediate focus will be on guiding Al-Hilal to success in the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League. His agent’s comments suggest that a decision on his future will be made collaboratively with the club at the end of the season. Whether that leads to an extension in Saudi Arabia or a return to Italy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Inzaghi’s stock remains high, and he will have no shortage of suitors when he eventually decides to move on.

In conclusion, Simone Inzaghi’s decision to remain at Al-Hilal despite interest from Italian clubs highlights his commitment to his current project and his desire to achieve success abroad. While a return to Serie A may happen in the future, for now, the coach is focused on his duties in Saudi Arabia. As Pastorello Italian clubs wanted Inzaghi this summer but he chose to stay at Al-Hilal, it is evident that the coach’s priority is to continue his journey with Al-Hilal and leave a lasting legacy in Asian football.