Inzaghi’s Bold Derby Play: New Signings Set to Shine in Riyadh Showdown
12 January 2026
Derby Day Shake-Up From Inzaghi
Simone Inzaghi, the Al-Hilal coach, is lining up a late surprise for Jorge Jesus of Al-Nassr ahead of Monday night's Riyadh derby at Kingdom Arena.
The clash will kick off in Round 15 of the Roshen Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal aiming to stretch their lead over the visiting side.
New Signings Set for Impact
According to the daily Al-Yawm, Inzaghi has included newcomers Sultan Mandash and Pablo Mari in the squad, even though their arrivals were formally confirmed only on Sunday.
Mari looks likely to start alongside Hassan Tambakti, while Mandash could start on the bench, ready to be used as the game dictates.
Al-Hilal announced the signings of 32-year-old Spanish defender Pablo Mari from Fiorentina and midfielder Sultan Mandash on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Al-Taawoun.
Stakes, Standings, and Strategic Twists
Al-Hilal sit atop the table with 35 points, four clear of their closest challengers, Al-Nassr, after 15 rounds.
The moves could inject experience and depth at the back and in midfield, complicating Jesus's plans and giving the derby extra spark.
Remarkably, the result could reshape the table and the season narrative, and fans are already ready for a flashy, fiery show.
Punchline 1: Inzaghi's strategy is so bold it filed a missing-persons report for the status quo.
Punchline 2: If this derby were coffee, it would be a double shot—no sugar, just spicy passes and louder celebrations.
