Federico Dimarco is ready to become a star at Inter, according to his former academy coach Stefano Vecchi.
Inter are thought to be considering recalling Dimarco from his loan spell at Hellas Verona, potentially in a deal that would see Andrei Radu move in the opposite direction.
Dimarco is a priority for the Nerazzurri at left wing-back, with Ashley Young and potentially Ivan Perisic set to leave in the summer.
“He’s shown he can be a great player for a mid-table side,” Vecchi, who coached Dimarco for 18 months with Inter’s Primavera, told Tuttosport for Wednesday’s print edition.
“The next step is to establish himself in a top club like Inter, but his ability to improve himself is decisive.
“The stats are on his side with goals, assists and a very high quality of performance.
“He’s made giant steps since his days in the Inter Primavera and I think he’s ready to be given an opportunity with the first team.
“Antonio Conte already knows him and I’m certain that if Dimarco were recalled to Inter, it would be a sign that they want to put their faith in him.”
Dimarco joined Inter when he was six years old and went all the way through the club’s academy, before eventually making his first-team debut aged 17 in 2015.
Vecchi insists the full-back had always shown huge promise, although he agreed Dimarco had made huge progress during his 18 months on loan at Hellas Verona.
“Inter have always believed in him, he was always guaranteed to have a bright future,” he argued.
“There could never be any doubt over his attacking qualities, but he had to improve defensively: one-on-one situations, staying in line and the approach to take in certain situations.
“Having seen him play in a back three this season, and not just as a wing-back, you can say Dimarco has taken a big step.
“He’s always shown brilliant qualities with his left foot and his shooting ability, but now he’s a complete player.
“Dimarco kicks well from dead-ball situations and when he’s on the move, and you’ve seen that with Hellas Verona.
“We’ve watched him come into his own this season.”
Dimarco has scored five goals and provided five assists for Ivan Juric’s side this season, most recently netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Torino two weekends ago.