Wednesday 3 July was a crucial day for Stephen Pioliwho has unofficially become the new coach of theAl-Ittihad. After the news of Marcelo Gallardo’s dismissal, things have become clearer: the club has reached an agreement with the former Milan coach on the basis of a three-year contract, despite the fact that in Saudi Arabia there is still secrecy about the economic details of the agreement. On Tuesday, the coach had already met with what will be his next management, with whom he then defined everything.
The interlude in red and black was very important for Pioli, who decided to take a period of reflection before deciding to get back in the game. As if on purpose, however, the nightmare of Inter could return for him, a team against which he has lost 10 of the last 15 matches: on August 7, in fact, Al-Ittihad will challenge the Nerazzurri in a friendly at the U-Power Stadium in Monza.
Pioli can already smile, however, because Al-Ittihad has gifted him with their first purchase: Arthur Theate, a defender from Rennes, will move to the Giallonero for 18 million euros. The former Bologna player has already completed his medical and signed a 3-year contract, until 2027, with an option in favor of the club to extend it for another season. He beat off competition from Fiorentina and West Ham.