Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli is edging closer to leaving the club due to a strained relationship with superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Pioli took charge of the Saudi Arabian club in September 2024 following the dismissal of Luis Castro.

Since his arrival, the Italian manager has struggled to maintain a strong foothold in the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Nassr currently sitting third in the table, trailing leaders Al-Ittihad by 10 points.

A poor run of form, consisting of just two league wins in the last five matches, has further intensified speculation regarding Pioli’s future.

According to reports from SportItalia, the relationship between Pioli and Ronaldo has become increasingly tense, pushing the 58-year-old coach towards the exit door.

If Pioli is relieved of his duties, sources indicate that AS Roma are poised to make a move for the experienced tactician.

With Claudio Ranieri set to depart at the end of the season, the Giallorossi see Pioli as a potential candidate to take over the reins.

The friction between Pioli and Ronaldo reportedly began two weeks ago during Al-Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al Kholood.

Ronaldo, who had opened the scoring just four minutes into the match, was left stunned when Pioli opted to substitute him before the final whistle.

Despite Al-Nassr comfortably leading 3-0 at the time, the decision to withdraw the Portuguese captain did not sit well with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

The substitution was perceived as a slight by Ronaldo, who has built a career on his relentless pursuit of goals and on-field dominance.

While Pioli defended his decision, citing the need to manage the squad effectively, tensions between the two have since escalated.

Insiders suggest that their relationship has deteriorated to the point where Pioli’s departure is now seen as inevitable.

Al-Nassr’s hierarchy is reportedly assessing potential replacements, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.

Despite his previous success in guiding AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022, Pioli has found the dynamics of managing a squad with a global icon like Ronaldo challenging.

As the situation unfolds, the football world watches closely to see whether Al-Nassr will part ways with Pioli and how Ronaldo’s influence at the club will shape the next managerial appointment.

With Roma lurking in the background, Pioli may not have to wait long before securing his next managerial role.

For now, however, his future at Al-Nassr remains on a knife’s edge, with the tension between manager and superstar casting a shadow over the club’s ambitions this season.