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Pioli (right) failed to lead Al-Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Saudi Pro League title last season Al-Nassr have parted company with manager Stefano Pioli after less than a year in charge of the club. The Italian took over at the Saudi Pro League side, who have Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo among their playing ranks, in September 2024 when he replaced Luis Castro following a poor start to the season. Pioli guided Al-Nassr to a third-place finish in the Saudi top flight last season as they finished 13 points behind champions Al-Ittihad. "Mr Pioli and his staff are no more the acting coaching staff of the first team, " said an Al-Nassr statement. "We would like to thank Mr Pioli and his staff for their dedicated work during the past season. " Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2023 and his contract runs out at the end of June. There has been speculation the 40-year-old could leave the club but sources have told BBC Sport that the Al-Nassr are confident of extending his deal. "Thanks for everything, " Ronaldo wrote in a message on social media following the news of Pioli's exit. Pioli, who led AC Milan to the 2021-2022 Serie A title during his four-and-a-half years in charge at the San Siro, has been linked with Fiorentina. Ronaldo rejects offers to play at Club World Cup Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone U21 Euros semi-finals: England 0-0 Netherlands - Elliott has early effort saved I don't miss managing England - Southgate The chase is on - why no team can feel safe against Stokes' England The all-star cast of The Celebrity Traitors revealed The behind-the-scenes story of the new F1 movie A compelling study of Britain's decline A relative of one of Stakeknife's victims speaks out The Commonwealth Games swimmer who might not see 40 The chase is on - why no team can feel safe against Stokes' England Will 'sport's best dressed officials' be missed at Wimbledon? Euro 2025: How have England evolved? What are Wales' chances? England chase 371 to seal brilliant win against India in first Test Video England chase 371 to seal brilliant win against India in first Test 'Like talking to Andy Murray' - impressionist quizzes tennis stars. Video'Like talking to Andy Murray' - impressionist quizzes tennis stars In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week Who is the most iconic British & Irish Lion of all time? Which drivers are in danger of losing their seat for 2026? How Draper became a genuine Wimbledon contender Fleetwood's stumble gives US Bradley-sized Ryder Cup headache Which young players could light up Euro 2025? What do you remember about the 2013 Lions tour? Have the Club World Cup's innovations been good or bad? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.