Inter should go all out to sign Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese, according to their legendary former midfielder Nicola Berti.
The Nerazzurri have been linked with a move for the midfielder for several months and reportedly tried to sign De Paul in the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old is likely to cost around €40 million and has interest from several European giants, but Antonio Conte really wants him to lead Inter’s midfield next season.
Speaking to Tuttosport for Thursday’s print edition, Berti said: “If I could sign someone, I’d bring in De Paul.
“I think he’s a really great player of a very high level.
“If Inter make two or three signings they can get to the business end of the UEFA Champions League without any problem.
“After De Paul, they could sign two or three younger players to nurture and complete the squad.”
Inter must also sort their goalkeeping situation before next season, with reports yesterday again linking them to De Paul’s Udinese teammate Juan Musso.
Samir Handanovic has received a fresh wave of criticism lately after another string of cheap errors, but Berti aligned himself with Beppe Bergomi and backed the Slovenian to keep going at Inter.
“I think he should play for another season, and then we’ll need to move on,” Berti argued.
Berti also had yet more words of praise for his midfield successor Nicolo Barella, before turning his attention to Inter’s Serie A title triumph.
“What can I say, Barella’s great!
“I like the look on his face when he plays and the determination he gives.
“I was already celebrating the title on Saturday night after the 2-0 win at Crotone, I was certain it was all done because the league had been sorted for some time.
“A team that wins 11 games in a row becomes unbeatable, Inter have the foundations to keep winning.”
On the subject of Antonio Conte and Beppe Marotta’s pasts at Juventus, Berti added: “They’ve never been Juventini, at least not since they’ve been involved in Inter’s project.”
Berti was then asked about Jose Mourinho’s appointment at Roma and suggested: “Us Interisti should only be happy for Jose, it’s absolutely not a betrayal.
“It’s positive news and I’m happy for him.”
