In a long interview with Leggo, cabaret artist and Interista Enrico Bertolino has discussed Inter’s season and the transfer market of his beloved Nerazzurri.
“What was more important between more decisive goals by Mauro Icardi or Luciano Spalletti’s new direction? I think the team’s conviction made the difference. Last season we went from talking about the Scudetto at the start to a big depression – typical of Inter.
“The team reacted, however, without the harsh words that could previously have come from a President like Massimo Moratti. The Chinese owners are working differently now.
“Marcelo Brozovic was the emblem of the team’s transformation. For the new season the club must build on this with some strong investments on the market, although we know we cannot make them straightaway.
“What sort of players? We can forget the big names like Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo. It is better for us progress with players of smaller reputation, but who can add to the team.”
Bertolino then moves on with some specific advice for management: “Radja Nainggolan is a player I really like and who is of the perfect age. Matteo Politano is a good player and a step in the right direction, but then we must evaluate what players we sacrifice and how to replace them.
“I think specifically of Candreva and Perisic. If we lost them, we could take Suso straight from Milan with his release clause. I have heard recently about Malcom from Bordeaux, but I would focus on players already tried and tested in Italy.”
On the new arrivals already added: “I think they have the kind of profiles to help us once we arrive in the Champions League next season. Hopefully we can reach the second round, perhaps even the quarter-finals.
“I really like Stefan De Vrij – he is fantastic in terms of price, ability and age. I am excited about Lautaro Martinez, even though he is an unknown. I think we can exclude the idea of Icardi to Juventus as well. After Anastasi, Boninsegna and Altobelli, we have already given that club enough.
“I think the delays come from his wife and agent. He must remember, however, that he is still young, he came from Samp to Inter and now he has qualified for the Champions League. Still, however, he has won nothing. It is not like he would be leaving after delivering three Champions Leagues the way Zidane has left Real.
“Maybe he does not want to wait another three years for a trophy, but perhaps he would like to stay with the club and become a true leader. Rafinha and Cancelo? It might be difficult, but it is always possible to renegotiate a deal.
“I think that Barca, in particular, would do well to extend the loan of Rafinha so that he can play consistently in a place where he can thrive. This would be a positive for both. The most important thing is that, now with Spalletti, players want to stay at Inter.”
