Inter do not want to sell young defender Lorenzo Pirola, because they believe that he has a future in the first team as a backup to Alessandro Bastoni.

This according to yesterday’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, who report that the Nerazzurri are reluctant to let the 19-year-old leave on a permanent basis.

Pirola has been on loan in Serie B with Monza this season, having also been at the club last campaign, though he has had his minutes restricted by injury so far this time around.

Monza have an option to make Pirola’s stay a permanent one by redeeming his contract at the end of the loan, but the Nerazzurri also inserted a right of counter-redemption in the clause.

The young defender is still a player who Inter believe can be brought back into the first time when his development is further along, and that he can be a viable, homegrown backup to Bastoni in the team.