Inter academy manager Massimo Tarantino discussed the club’s development player development plan from the Under-9 squad to the first team, the idea of a second squad and transfer market ideas.
The former left back took over the role in July of this year after Roberto Samaden’s departure. He had previously spent nine years in the role before heading to Atalanta this summer.
Inter have had limited success with their youth system in recent years, although Federico Dimarco has inspired many youngsters at the club after breaking into the first team and becoming a key player.
Speaking to Radio Serie A via Calciomercato.com, Tarantino first discussed what it means to wear the Inter shirt.
“The Inter shirt weighs heavily, at all levels. They’re a global, important club, today whoever represents them anywhere must perform. Great expectations are created, but it is also a place where you can work very well.
“We as a youth sector are happy, tools are being distributed that allow us to build the best path with the kids.”
He spoke about the decision to not invest in the transfer market.
“Yes, we gave continuity because we were convinced we had good squads. Many players born in 2005 played under their age group last season, this year we found them in the Primavera, there is a very good team.
“I see great quality, we didn’t enter in the logic of the market, which should be something extraordinary at this level. For the youth system it is always better to train.”
The academy manager commented on the importance of the UEFA Youth League.
“The Youth League is worth the Champions League. I was lucky enough to do it in Rome, it’s a tournament that raises the level. Facing the best European teams is equivalent to the first team’s journey.
“All this allows us to turn the Europe and to have the yardstick of comparison with high-level companies for us managers too.”
He touched on the lack of infrastructure in Italy.
“In Italy we are behind the top clubs in general. Objectively, compared to RB Salzburg, Bayern or City, we are behind, and we still have a lot of work to do.”
Tarantino discussed the idea of setting up an Inter second team.
“Inter always have in mind the possibility of improving the training path of their players, but the second teams are a demanding step, we know Serie C well.
“The moment Inter have the option, it will be taken into consideration. It is part of the club’s DNA to provide the best.”
He spoke about the club’s desire to become known for developing talents.
“The vision is to continue the positive things done so far, Inter have a great tradition. We want to try to raise the bar, the idea is to become one of the top clubs in training young players.
“There is a ‘funnel’ in the squad of 25 boys, some go to Lega Pro, others to Serie B, then the top of those who go to Serie A. The selection is fierce.”
The academy manager commented on the club’s work to combat gambling addiction.
“Inter are very attentive to these issues, there are programs in the educational area for kids, not just for betting.
“Inter also do this within our own structures, the objective is to raise awareness among kids so as not to fall into these errors.”
He spoke about his relationship with Beppe Marotta and the Nerazzurri’s other directors.
“Wonderful relationship, I find myself working in a structure that has worked very well for many years. I have the great support of Marotta, he has always been available, he is the point of reference from a sporting point of view.
“For the part the same goes for technique with Piero and Dario, we became colleagues after years of knowing each other. The beauty of working at Inter is the fact of doing it with wonderful people.”
He touched on the state of the Primavera squad.
“We have started a new process, we are trying to standardize the methodologies, starting from the Under 9 to end with the Primavera. The path of the first team is different. In Rome all the teams played 4-3-3, this was useful for us in scouting.
“Then modern football has taught us that we work on occupying spaces rather than on formations, when you watch City you struggle to understand how they play. He’s (Cristian Chivu, ed.) a very demanding coach, I don’t know how he was as a player.
“He tries to pay attention to details but at the same time he has great sensitivity. He seems tough, but he is a positive tough. He is an intelligent guy, he has a great culture having had the opportunity to gain many international experiences.
“He is a good guide for kids because it helps them enter the world of adults even through mistakes. The most important skill he has is open-mindedness.”
Finally, Tarantino discussed the importance of Federico Dimarco.
“In their eyes there is the recklessness of a child chasing a dream. He is a good example, we would like to replicate him more frequently.
“Dimarco often came to Interello, there is great belonging on the part of the first team that sometimes came to watch the Primavera matches.”