Simone Inzaghi’s Coaching Record Before Joining Al-Hilal

In 2025, the football world witnessed a tectonic shift when Simone Inzaghi, the architect of Inter Milan’s recent dominance, opted to trade the San Siro for the ambitious project at Al-Hilal. Following a heartbreaking Champions League final loss to PSG, Inzaghi became the world’s most expensive manager, signaling that the Saudi Pro League’s gravitational pull had reached the absolute peak of European coaching.

This article explores the life, family ties, and tactical genius of the man now leading the "Blue Waves" in Riyadh.

Why did Simone Inzaghi leave Inter?

Simone Inzaghi officially parted ways with Inter Milan on June 4, 2025. Despite leading the Nerazzurri to a Scudetto and multiple trophies, several factors prompted his exit:

The "Comfort Zone" factor: Inzaghi stated he wanted to "change his way of thinking" and test his tactical 3-5-2 system in a completely different environment.

Financial Offer: Al-Hilal offered a staggering €25 million ($27M) per season—a figure nearly triple his salary at Inter.

The PSG Defeat: Leaving after a 5-0 Champions League final loss provided a natural, albeit painful, end-point to his four-year tenure in Milan.

Simone Inzaghi and Filippo Inzaghi: The Brothers

Is Simone related to the legendary Filippo "Pippo" Inzaghi? Yes—they are brothers.

The Relationship: Despite competing as rival managers in Serie A, the two share a very close bond. Filippo, the elder brother, was a world-renowned striker for AC Milan and Juventus, while Simone spent the bulk of his career at Lazio.

Management Styles: While both became coaches, Simone has achieved greater success at the elite level, with Filippo often praising his younger brother's "veteran-like" tactical preparation.

What did Cruyff say about Inzaghi?

There is often a misunderstanding about which Inzaghi the legendary Johan Cruyff was criticizing. Cruyff famously said of Filippo (the brother):

"Look, actually he can't play football at all. He's just always in the right position."

Cruyff’s critique was a backhanded compliment toward Filippo's incredible poaching ability. Simone, conversely, was viewed as a more technically involved player during his time at Lazio, though he never reached the same goal-scoring heights as Pippo.

Simone Inzaghi’s Playing Career

Before he was a master tactician, Simone was a prolific striker in his own right, primarily associated with Lazio.

Club	Period	Note
Piacenza	1994–1999	Hometown club where he made his name.
Lazio	1999–2010	Won the Scudetto (1999-00) and three Coppa Italias.
Sampdoria / Atalanta	2005, 2007	Brief loan spells toward the end of his career.

Quick Facts: Height and Age

Age: 49 (Born April 5, 1976).

Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in). His tall frame made him a formidable presence in the box during his playing days.

Nickname: "Il demone di Piacenza" (The Demon of Piacenza), a nod to his birthplace and his intense tactical focus.

Simone Inzaghi Managerial Timeline

2010–2016: Lazio (Youth/Primavera Coach)

2016–2021: Lazio (Senior Head Coach)

2021–2025: Inter Milan

June 2025 – Present: Al-Hilal (Saudi Pro League)