Ronaldo helps Al-Nassr deliver win in new coach Pioli's first game

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring as Al Nassr defeated Ettifaq 3 0 and gave Stefano Pioli victory in his first game as coach...

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring as Al-Nassr defeated Ettifaq 3-0 and gave Stefano Pioli victory in his first game as coach of the Saudi Arabian club on Friday.

The Italian, who led AC Milan to the Serie A title in 2022, was appointed on Wednesday to succeed Luis Castro. The Portuguese coach was dismissed the previous day due to Al-Nassr’s slow start to the season with just one win in three Saudi Pro League games.

Ronaldo, who missed Al-Nassr’s 1-1 draw in the AFC Champions League Elite with Al-Shorta of Iraq on Monday due to a viral infection, fired home from the penalty spot after 33 minutes for his third goal of the season.

In the second half, Salem Al-Najdi and Anderson Talisca added to the scoreline.

The defeat was the first this season for Ettifaq but the team coached by Steven Gerrard stayed third. Al-Nassr moved to fourth.