Italian coach Stefano Pioli enjoyed a successful debut as the new manager of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. His team secured a 3-0 victory over Al Ettifaq in the 4th round of the Pro League, climbing to 4th place in the standings. Slovakia's Marek Rodák started as goalkeeper for the home side.

Pioli replaced Portuguese manager Luís Castro on Wednesday after the latter was dismissed following just one win in the team’s first three league matches. The scoring opened in the 33rd minute with Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo converting a penalty past Rodák. It was Ronaldo's third goal of the season. After halftime, Salem Al-Najdi and Anderson Talisca added further goals for the visitors.

For the home side, coached by former England international Steven Gerrard, it was their first points drop of the season, and they currently sit in 3rd place. Al Nassr, with two wins and two draws, has one point fewer. The top two teams, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, will face each other on Saturday in a key match of the round, with both having nine points, like Al Ettifaq.

Source:

https://sport.aktuality.sk/futbal/clanok/rodak-neprekabatil-ronalda-uspesna-premiera-noveho-trenera-al-nassr-2024092106302580606