Pirelli’s CEO and die-hard Inter supporter Marco Tronchetti Provera has warned the Nerazzurri they must upgrade their midfield in order to compete for the Scudetto.

Nicolo Barella is expected to complete a move from Cagliari in the next week while Mateo Kovacic was heavily linked with the club in Wednesday’s papers.

Tronchetti Provera also suggested Inter made changes to their attacking options amid the chaos surrounding Mauro Icardi.

“Something needs to be done in midfield and up front,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Inter’s defence is strong and of an international level, but we need to sign reinforcements in those two areas.

“If the gap between Juventus and Inter is to decrease next season it will be because we improve a lot and not because Juventus get worse.”

Tronchetti Provera backed new boss Antonio Conte and CEO Beppe Marotta to bring success back to the club, refusing to be drawn however on the surreal situation concerning Icardi’s future.

“Conte is an excellent professional and he’ll be welcomed as one by the Interisti,” he added.

“Marotta has also proven himself to be brilliant though and will work ably and meticulously for Inter.

“As far as Icardi is concerned I’d rather stick to matters on the pitch. On the pitch he’s a high-profile centre-forward and I’ll say no more.”