Inter supporters will be hoping Nicolo Barella can follow in the footsteps of former Cagliari midfielder Gianfranco Matteoli after he completes a transfer to the Nerazzurri.

Matteoli was part of the side that won the 1988-89 league title under Giovanni Trapattoni and spent four seasons with Inter, before joining his hometown club in 1990.

Barella is expected to finalise his move in the next couple of weeks when Inter and Cagliari reach an agreement for the 22-year-old.

“Both players were born on the marvelous island of Sardinia,” Tuttosport recalled today.

“While Barella has spent almost all of his career there so far, though, Matteoli had to leave Sardinia very early and established himself elsewhere.

“Inter were coached by an ex-Juventus manager in Trapattoni when Matteoli arrived in 1986 and Barella will find another former Juve coach in Antonio Conte.

“Let’s also not forget it was Matteoli that discovered a young Barella while in charge of Cagliari’s youth academy.

“Thirty years later history could be in line to repeat itself. At least, that’s what Inter fans will be hoping.”