Inter Could Have Their Most Italian Squad For 16 Years Under Conte

Inter could be set for their most Italian first-team squad under Antonio Conte since the 2002-03 season.

Tuttosport today analysed the increasing number of homegrown players contracted to the Nerazzurri, which they said followed a clear decision from Conte.

The club currently has nine Italians in the squad, but that number could rise if Nicolo Barella were to arrive.

Alessandro Florenzi is also a transfer target while Conte could decide to keep Andrea Pinamonti and Sebastiano Esposito around should they impress during preseason.

Inter had 12 Italians in the 2002-03 season when Hector Cuper led them to a second-place finish in Serie A.

Toldo, Fontana, Adani, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Serena, Pasquale, Coco, Di Biagio, Cristiano Zanetti, Morfeo and Vieri were all playing for the club as they lost to Milan in the Champions League semi-finals.

Conte believes an influx of Italians will help Inter regain the sense of belonging they have lost in recent years, and which proved so important in his title-winning Juventus team.