Riyadh to Rome: How Inzaghi’s Al Hilal Is Quietly Rewriting European Perceptions

In a moment when victories still echo across the kingdom, the ripple of Italian coach Simone Inzaghi’s project with Al Hilal has crossed Asia and landed squarely in the Italian press, turning heads in cities far from Riyadh. The veteran manager has become a staple in newspapers there as his successive wins with the 'Leaders' continue to roll.

What began as a bold foreign experiment has matured into a documented ascent, a story of disciplined tactics and decisive leadership that European outlets insist is no fluke but the result of a carefully built approach and steady guidance.

On Tuesday, Inzaghi steered Al Hilal to a commanding 4-0 victory over Al Shorta in the fifth round of the Elite AFC Champions League group stage, a result that underscored the team’s growing confidence and cohesion under his watch.

Al Hilal now sits on 15 points at the summit of the West Asia group, marking the best start in their continental campaign and signaling a season with real momentum.

Italian Praise

La Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted the team’s dominance, noting that Al Hilal is now the side with the highest ball possession and the most opportunities created in their group, attributing this to a clear tactical fingerprint that Inzaghi planted on day one in Riyadh.

The publication described a side that imposes tempo on opponents, controls midfield, and offers a varied attacking repertoire that keeps rival defenses guessing.

Corriere dello Sport joined the chorus, praising a dramatic offensive evolution and, in particular, the improved performance of Brazilian forward Marcus Leonardo, whose influence has intensified in the final third.

It explained how Inzaghi redefined Leonardo’s role—granting him more freedom outside the box and drawing defenders toward him, thereby increasing goal threat and creating space for teammates.

The piece argued this development reflects the coach’s ability to refine young players and add new value within the squad’s system.

Tuttosport called the Inzaghi project a “successful venture outside Europe,” commending the defensive discipline and efficiency in front of goal that now characterize Al Hilal’s play.

The newspaper underlined a cohesive team that is hard to break down, with orderly defenses and rapid transitions exploiting every available chance, giving the impression of a distinctly European flavor within Asian competition.

Calcio Mercato went further, suggesting Inzaghi’s continued success in Saudi Arabia could place him back on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs in the near future.

The outlet noted that Inzaghi has delivered a more mature version of his coaching persona in Saudi Arabia, both tactically and in man-management, keeping his name prominent in European transfer discussions.

Overall, the reports claimed that the club’s continental and domestic form under Inzaghi strengthens the case for a potential return to a top European league, whether in Italy or the broader five major leagues.

What about the competition?

Far from waning, the praise points to a new era where Al Hilal could re-emerge as a principal title contender, thanks to a footballing identity that is clearer, more robust, and more Europe-like. The team’s possession, build-up, and pressing have sharpened, while Marcus Leonardo’s form offers a potent final third option.

Under Inzaghi’s guidance, Al Hilal has sharpened their pressing intensity, ball circulation, and quick transitions, with Leonardo especially flourishing as a dynamic focal point. The squad’s depth and harmony have grown, allowing more flexible attacking patterns and stubborn defensive structure.

With this upward arc, the club appears poised for a season rich in trophies, provided fitness levels stay high, mental resilience remains intact, and the squad’s depth continues to serve the system well. If the momentum endures, Al Hilal may chronicle a chapter of triumphs that extends beyond a single campaign.

Punchline: If strategy were comedy, Inzaghi would be a stand-up coach—always delivering the defensive punchlines right on cue.

Punchline: The defense is so airtight that even the article’s jokes stay offside—yet somehow still find the back of the net.