Algeria: Stefano Pioli enters the race for the Fennecs bench

The former AC Milan coach is among the profiles being considered to lead the Fennecs

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Algeria: Stefano Pioli enters the race for the Fennecs bench

The search for Vladimir Petkovic’s successor is heating up, with Stefano Pioli now emerging as one of the names being studied by the Algerian Football Federation. But even as the FAF reportedly favors a Spanish coach, can the former AC Milan manager’s track record and achievements give him the edge in this race?

The shortlist of potential candidates to manage Algeria continues to grow. According to information revealed by Algerian journalist Khaled Mazouzi for AL24News, and relayed by DZfoot, Stefano Pioli is now among the options being considered to succeed Vladimir Petkovic.

The shortlisted profiles also include Rafael Benítez, Tom Saintfiet, and Félix Sánchez Bas—three coaches with very different backgrounds and experiences.

A prestigious profile, but not FAF’s natural choice

Pioli’s CV is certainly strong enough to attract attention. The Italian boasts extensive experience on the Serie A touchline, having coached Bologna, Lazio, Inter Milan, Fiorentina, and most notably, AC Milan. It was with the Rossoneri that he reached the pinnacle of his career, clinching the 2021-2022 Scudetto—the club’s first Serie A title in eleven years.

His Milan spell remains the highlight of his career. Between 2019 and 2024, Pioli took charge of the club 240 times, recording 130 wins, 58 draws, and 52 defeats, according to DZfoot. He also guided Milan to a Champions League semifinal in 2023—their first in several years.

After Milan, Pioli ventured into a new environment with Al-Nassr, notably working alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. This Saudi experience allowed him to further hone his craft in a setting defined by high expectations and star-studded lineups.

Pioli has never managed a national team

However, one factor could weigh against his candidacy: Pioli has never managed a national team. All his experience as a head coach has come at club level.

While this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, transitioning from day-to-day club management to the intermittent rhythm of international football requires a different approach: less time with players, preparation focused on a handful of gatherings, and the need to quickly build a collective identity.

A candidate up against Spanish preference

More importantly, Pioli doesn’t match the profile seemingly favored by the FAF. The federation’s leadership is reportedly keen to pursue a Spanish coach, with three world-renowned Spaniards said to have been considered.

In this context, Pioli will likely need to impress on other fronts. His experience at the highest level in Europe, his ability to manage a dressing room full of big personalities, and his Serie A title are all strong arguments in his favor.

The Bennacer connection: a bonus

Another factor that could work for him is his relationship with Ismaël Bennacer. Pioli knows the Algerian midfielder inside out, having coached him for several seasons at Milan. This familiarity with a key Fennecs player could help Pioli adapt more quickly to the squad and Algerian football.

But of course, that alone won’t make Pioli the frontrunner.

A solid record, but the race remains wide open

Pioli’s main piece of silverware remains the 2022 Scudetto, alongside several individual accolades—including Serie A Coach of the Season for 2021-2022 and the Panchina d'Oro.

His career hasn’t been without setbacks, though. His stint at Al-Nassr ended without major trophies, followed by a brief return to Fiorentina in 2025, which was cut short after a difficult start to the season.

👉 https://t.co/giceNmvApF
The list of candidates to succeed Vladimir Petkovic keeps growing. Just days after Paulo Bento emerged as a possibility, another high-profile name joins the conversation for the Fennecs’ bench: Stefano…
— DZfoot (@DZfoot) August 13, 2026

So, while Pioli’s candidacy is credible, he’s hardly the frontrunner. The FAF appears to be searching for a coach who can inject fresh energy into the Fennecs, and the idea of a Spanish tactician remains prevalent in the latest reports. If the federation ultimately opts for elite-level experience and an ability to manage star-studded squads, Pioli could have a real shot. For now, his inclusion on the list mainly shows that the search for Petkovic’s successor is far from over.