Precision over spectacle: Inzaghi trims the squad for the Riyadh derby
31 October 2025
Inzaghi's Exclusions Ahead of the Riyadh Derby
Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, head coach of Al Hilal, opted to exclude two players from the squad ahead of the Riyadh derby against Al Shabab in the seventh round of the Saudi Pro League.
Inzaghi left out Mohammed Al-Qahtani and Abdulkarim Darisi, the attacking duo, before the match at the Kingdom Arena.
According to the Saudi daily Al-Riyadiya, the exclusions were tactical decisions, joining other absentees for the derby, including Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic who is nursing a leg issue, and Uruguayan Darwin Nunez ruled out with knee pain.
Emerging Talent: Mohammed Al-Qahtani
Mohammed Al-Qahtani is one of the brightest young talents at Al Hilal. Born in 2002, he rose through the club's youth ranks to the first team, impressing with his skill, pace, and intelligent movement. He typically operates on the right wing, wielding a powerful left foot to cut inside or threaten from the flanks, and has earned praise for his smart runs and ability to create chances in tight spaces.
Having broken into the first team under the guidance of coach Jorge Jesus, who backed his potential, the club extended his contract to June 2026. Al-Qahtani has become a regular feature in the squad's rotation, especially as a substitute who can alter the pace of play with his speed and directness.
In recent appearances, he has shown decisive moments and contributed to the team's attacking tempo, signaling potential to become a mainstay for Hilal and possibly the national team in the coming years.
Rising Talent: Abdulkarim Darisi
Abdulkarim Darisi, born in 2003, is among the young faces rising through Saudi football. He began his career with Al Ahli's youth teams before moving to Al Hilal, a transfer viewed as a key step in the club's plan to invest in homegrown potential.
Darisi can operate in multiple roles, primarily in midfield and on the wings, giving him tactical flexibility and adaptability to different systems. Although his senior appearances have been limited, he has shown technical quality, quickness, and a fighting mentality on the pitch, which clubs hope will translate into consistent first-team involvement as he gains experience.
His arrival is seen as part of Hilal's broader strategy to groom local talent for the present squad and the long-term horizon of the Saudi league and regional competition.
Referee Spotlight: Bulgarian Official in Charge
The Saudi Football Federation announced the match officials for Friday's fixtures, with the standout derby between Hilal and Shabab at the Kingdom Arena being led by a Bulgarian referee. The official lineup included primary referee Georgi Kabakov, with assistants, and VAR staff as detailed by the federation's release.
Kabakov has previously overseen several Hilal matches, with a record of three wins, one draw, and one loss in those encounters. Notable meetings included a 2-1 win for Hilal in August 2020 against Al-Fateh, during which three penalties were awarded and a late goal sealed the result; another win in the 2021-2022 season against Al-Ahli, and a January 2023 victory over Abha that featured a penalty for Hilal. He has also issued multiple yellow cards across those fixtures, and one controversial 2-2 draw with no penalties but with four players booked for Hilal’s opponents.
The derby today thus features a tactical coach, rising local talent, and a foreign whistle—a combination that promises a tightly contested encounter rather than a blowout.
Punchline time: If football were a sniper’s sport, Inzaghi’s lineup would be the rifle—calibrated, quiet, and always aimed at the top corner. Punchline two: The only thing sharper than Kabakov’s whistle might be the goalkeeper’s map-reading—because this derby is mapped for target practice, not sightseeing.
