Inter have made Bologna coach Thiago Motta their main target to replace Simone Inzaghi at the end of the season should a move for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi prove infeasible on a financial level.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInter1908s, who report that De Zerbi is the Nerazzurri’s top target but that they are also looking at Motta as a potentially more cost-effective solution.
Whilst it is still far from certain that Inzaghi and Inter will part ways at the end of the season, it has been suggested that “only a miracle” can save the 47-year-old’s position at the Nerazzurri.
Accordingly, there is no question that Inter are starting to think about what could come next should the former Lazio coach be sacked at the end of the season – not least because Inzaghi could even decide to hand in his resignation before the club make their choice.
De Zerbi is at the top of the Nerazzurri’s list according to the Corriere, although there would be a major financial stumbling block that could prevent a deal.
The former Sassuolo and Benevento coach is under contract on the English south coast until the end of June 2026, and the release clause in his deal would be worth around €8 million to €10 million.
The process of Graham Potter’s departure to join Chelsea in the fall made very clear that Brighton are not likely to waver much if at all on the value of such a clause in negotiations.
Accordingly, the Nerazzurri could be left thinking about whether or not they want to make what would be a big investment in their position to appoint De Zerbi.
Meanwhile, even though there are rumours that Antonio Conte is also a candidate to return and replace Inzaghi, the Corriere suggests that the obstacles to this would be even greater.
Accordingly, it could be Bologna coach Motta who the Nerazzurri turn to.
The Rossoblu are pushing to extend the 40-year-old’s contract until the end of June 2025, but Inter could well swoop in, particularly given their history with the former Italy international from his playing days.
