Inzaghi's Sharpshooter Move: Benzema Joins While Nunez Sits Out for Asia

Roster reshuffle ahead of Saudi showdown

Italian coach Simone Inzaghi has made another decision about the local squad that will finish this season, following a string of high-profile signings during the winter window.

Al Hilal secured seven January signings, including Spanish Pablo Mari and French Karim Benzema, while several players departed, led by Joao Cancelo and Kai Cesar.

A few days ago, Inzaghi decided to omit Uruguayan Darwin Nunez from the domestic list in order to register Benzema instead, with Asia's elite roster in mind.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Inzaghi also decided to exclude Pablo Mari from the domestic list, while keeping Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly in the local squad.

He added that the pair would be used in the Asian competition.

All this comes ahead of Al Hilal's clash with Al Ettifaq on Friday in Round 22 of the Saudi Pro League.

Note that Al Hilal is competing strongly for the Saudi Pro League title and the King's Cup, alongside Asia's elite.

Punchline 1: Inzaghi's transfer spree is so precise that even the ball wears safety goggles before a shot.

Punchline 2: If this were a sniper competition, Inzaghi would be the guy who brings a laser sight to the press conference—goals, guaranteed.