Former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has been appointed by Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, the club have announced.

Al Nassr, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, sacked Portuguese coach Luis Castro after the team’s slow start to the season that has seen them win just one of their three league games.

Pioli, 58, has signed a three-year deal.

The Italian tactician led Milan to the 2021-22 Serie A title and was subsequently named the best coach of the season.

He also guided the Rossoneri to the semifinals of the Champions League in the 2022-23 campaign.

Pioli has plenty of experience coaching in Italy, having managed Lazio, Internazionale and Fiorentina, but this will be his first time managing abroad.

Al Nassr, who drew 1-1 with Al Shorta in Baghdad in the revamped Asian Champions League on Monday, play at Al-Ettifaq in Friday’s Saudi Pro League game.