
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Simone Inzaghi, currently managing Al Hilal, has dismissed rumors about taking over the Italian national team after their World Cup qualification failure. He joined Al Hilal at the beginning of the 2025/26 season after leaving Inter Milan.
Ex-Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi shuts down rumours linking him with Italy job
Al Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi has rubbished speculation about his long-term future at the Saudi Pro League (SPL) powerhouse.
The 50-year-old tactician only joined Al Hilal at the start of the 2025/26 season after leaving Inter Milan.
However, he has been linked with the vacant Italian national team job following the Gli Azzurriâs failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rumours linking Inzaghi with the national team job come after a turbulent past few weeks that saw FIGC president Gabriele Gravina step down from his role.
However, Inzaghi has moved quickly to squash any rumours about an early exit from Al Hilal.
âMy future? Iâm staying at Al-Hilal,â Inzaghi said (via FCinter1908). âIâm doing my job to the best of my ability, and Iâm putting my all into it.â
Inzaghiâs comments came after his side were eliminated from the Asian Champions League round of 16 by Qatari top-flight side Al-Sadd.
Both sides couldnât be separated even after extra time, producing an enthralling six-goal classic in a 3-3 draw at Prince Abdullah al-Faisal Stadium.
Inzaghiâs side took the lead three times in the game but were repeatedly pegged back by Al Sadd, with former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino netting the third equaliser for the visitors in the 70th minute.
Al Hilal were ultimately eliminated 4-2 on penalties, stretching their hunt for a record-extending fifth continental title for at least another season.
Despite the defeat, Inzaghi was full of praise for Al-Sadd, who are led by former Italy head coach Roberto Mancini.
âI was aiming to reach the quarterfinals, but luck wasnât on our side,â Inzaghi said.
âWe tried with all our might and created several chances. Al-Sadd held firm and scored three goals, but Al-Hilal were the stronger team and took the lead three times.â
Inzaghi won six major trophies during his four-year spell at Inter, including the Serie A title. He also led the Nerrazurri to the Champions League final in 2023.
The Italian head coach is now locked in a thrilling SPL title race along with Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr, who hold a five-point lead at the summit with six games left.
Simone Inzaghi left Inter Milan to join Al Hilal at the start of the 2025/26 season.
Speculation arose after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, creating a vacancy for the national team manager.
Simone Inzaghi is currently the manager of Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Subaru vs Hyundai: A New Rivalry at the 2026 NĂŒrburgring 24h
Pirates catcher Joey Bart surprises Braxton Ashcraft with an on-field gender reveal before his start!
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger dies at 48 after being hit by a train in Salzburg.
Mike Trout becomes the first visiting player to homer in three straight games at Yankee Stadium since 2013.
NHL Playoffs 2026 begin April 18; key standings and tiebreakers explained.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.