Inter have already made initial contacts with Brighton and Hove Albion to see if they would be able to bring in coach Roberto De Zerbi to replace Simone Inzaghi next season.
This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews, who report that the 43-year-old is favoured over Bologna’s Thiago Motta or Fiorentina’s Vincenzo Italiano, and that the Nerazzurri want to know if he could be brought in for less than his €13 million release clause.
Given Inter’s woeful form over the last month or so, there is a sense that Inzaghi may have finally run out of time as Nerazzurri coach.
It cannot be ruled out that the 46-year-old could be on his way before the end of the season, whilst even if he is to see out the campaign the club could decide that a change is needed on the bench going into next season.
There would be a number of options available to the Nerazzurri, and plenty of coaches on their shortlist.
One possibility would be to appoint a “drill sergeant” like Antonio Conte, who would instill discipline and change the mood behind the scenes.
Another possibility being considered by the Nerazzurri, however, would be to appoint a coach with a focus on a possession-based style of play to revamp the team starting next season.
Thiago Motta is being looked at in this respect, particularly given his ties to the Nerazzurri as a former player, whilst Fiorentina coach Italiano is also on the club’s shortlist.
However, according to Tuttosport, De Zerbi would be the number one priority if Inter are to go the route of trying to transition to a possession-based style of play next season.
The former Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donestk coach reportedly has a €13 million release clause in his contract with Brighton.
However, Tuttosport, Inter are in contact with Brighton via an intermediary to see whether this could be lowered.
