A Surprising Decision from Pioli Before the Kawasaki Clash Regarding a Team Player

In a move that sparked anticipation before the upcoming match against Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, Al-Nassr coach Stefano Pioli decided to make significant changes to the first team roster.

Pioli has recalled striker Bassam Hazzazi to the youth team in Riyadh, in a step aimed at strengthening the starting lineup for that category, following a comprehensive assessment of the player’s recent performance.

On the other hand, the Italian coach decided to keep goalkeeper Mubarak Al-Bouainin with the first team, confirming his confidence in his abilities, especially with the AFC Champions League semi-finals approaching.

Reports indicated that Hazzazi and Al-Bouainin underwent intensive training with the first team on Sunday, then participated in a friendly match at the youth level against Al-Ittihad, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Pioli’s decisions came after a thorough review of the players’ performances in the match, where Al-Bouainin showed clear stability, granting him the opportunity to remain in the starting lineup at this critical stage.