Legendary former Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi believes Ricardo Rodriguez would be the right signing for the Nerazzurri in defense.
The 2006 World Cup winner with Italy praised the “experienced and versatile” 31-year-old in an interview published in yesterday’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Inter are on the hunt for a defender this summer.
The specific profile that the Nerazzurri have in mind would be a left-footed defender who’s capable of playing on the left of their back three.
Last season, Carlos Augusto had ended up being a key player in deputizing for Alessandro Bastoni in the back three. He played there right around as often as he did at wingback.
But for the first several months of next season, the versatile Brazilian will have to play exclusively or primarily on the flank.
This will be to cover for Tajon Buchanan. The Canadian won’t be back until at least the end of October after sustaining a broken leg this summer.
Marco Materazzi Backs Ricardo Rodriguez To Join Inter Milan
Reports have linked Inter with a number of defenders.
The Nerazzurri had reportedly been on the verge of a deal for defender Juan Cabal before he instead joined Juventus.
Meanwhile, Zenit St. Petersburg’s Robert Renan, Arsenal’s Jakub Kiwior, and Genoa’s Johan Vazquez are all also on the Nerazzurri’s radar.
But for a more experienced name, Inter could turn to Rodriguez.
The 31-year-old former AC Milan and Wolfsburg defender is available on a free transfer. His contract with Torino expired at the end of last month.
And Rodriguez is a player with plenty of experience playing on the left of a back three, both for the Granata and for the Swiss national team.
Asked who he would sign in defense, former Inter defender Materazzi replied “My vote goes to Ricardo Rodriguez.”
“Because he has experience. He’s a solid player, and he’s versatile.”
“He’s able to play in the back three, or out wide as an attacking fullback.”
