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By HARRY BAMFORTH Published: 02: 16 AEDT, 29 March 2025 | Updated: 02: 16 AEDT, 29 March 2025 15 View comments Al-Nassr manager Stefano Pioli is edging closer to an exit from the club due to his damaged relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. Pioli only took the reins at the Saudi club back in September 2024, following the sacking of Luis Castro. Al-Nassr currently sit third in the Saudi Pro League table and are 10 points adrift from leaders Al-Ittihad, following a run of just two league wins in their last five games. However, it is not believed to be the results that have put Pioli on the brink, but rather his strenuous relationships with people inside the club. A rift has formed between the Italian and Al-Nassr's star man, Ronaldo, according to Sport Italia, leaving the manager on the brink. If Pioli is to be relieved of his duties, it is believed that Roma are waiting in the wings to snap up Pioli - who led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022 -with Claudio Ranieri set to leave the Giallorossi at the end of the season. Stefano Pioli is believed to be close to the sack at Al Nassr after just six months in charge Pioli's relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo is believed to have deteriorated in recent weeks Roma are reportedly planning to replace Claudio Ranieri with the current Al-Nassr boss at the end of the season The Italian has also been linked to the vacant position at Juventus, following the sacking of Thiago Motta, but Roma are seemingly leading the race. Tensions between Pioli and Ronaldo started to arise after the manager's decision to substitute the legendary forward in Al-Nassr's 3-1 win over Al Kholood two weeks ago. The Portugal captain opened the scoring after just four minutes before his side raced into a 3-0 lead. Pioli then decided to withdraw Ronaldo, much to the striker's surprise, as Al-Nassr cruised toward the full-time whistle. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star was visibly upset with the decision as he stormed down the tunnel after a brief discussion with the boss. Their relationship has seemingly been on the decline ever since with Pioli now reported to be on borrowed time.
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