Salernitana & Genoa Stars Added To Inter Milan Shortlist Of Defensive Targets

Salernitana’s Lorenzo Pirola and Genoa’s Johan Vazquez are both on Inter Milan’s shortlist of potential defensive targets this summer.

This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

It now looks quite clear that Inter will sign a defender this summer.

There are a couple of factors informing the Nerazzurri’s strategy in their search for a defender.

Firstly, there is the prospect of Stefan de Vrij leaving. The Dutchman is a target for Al-Ittihad, and if he were to head for the exit door Inter would certainly look to replace him.

And in that case, Inter’s focus would be on a physical, man-marking defender capable of playing in the centre of the back three.

And then on the other hand, there is the long-term injury to Tajon Buchanan.

Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio has acknowledged that, with Buchanan out for a few months, the Nerazzurri will try to sign a defender to provide injury cover.

Rather than replacing Buchanan like-for-like with a wingback, Inter will move Carlos Augusto to the flank.

The Brazilian played both on the left flank and the left of the back three last season. But Inter’s intention is to use him primarily at wingback while Buchanan out.

Therefore, Inter are looking for a player capable of backing up Alessandro Bastoni on the left.

Lorenzo Pirola & Johan Vazquez On Inter Defensive Shortlist

Part of Inter’s strategy will be to sign a younger defender.

The Nerazzurri are not keen to spend too much on a defender unless they feel that they are investing in the future.

And according to Tuttosport, there are a couple of younger defenders who the Nerazzurri are eyeing up.

One is 22-year-old Pirola. He came through Inter’s youth ranks, but joined Salernitana in 2022.

Inter could bring Pirola back this summer, particularly considering Salernitana’s relegation last season.

Then, another candidate would be Genoa defender Vazquez.

The 25-year-old Mexican international has certainly proved himself capable of playing on the left of a back three. Therefore, he has also caught Inter’s eye, reports Tuttosport.