Inter academy director Roberto Samaden is delighted with the progress being made by his club at youth level.
Amidst all the criticism that Italian football is overflowing with foreigners and ageing stars, the official believes the Nerazzurri are on the right path when it comes to developing youngsters.
Inter academy director Roberto Samaden is delighted with the progress being made by his club at youth level.
Amidst all the criticism that Italian football is overflowing with foreigners and ageing stars, the official believes the Nerazzurri are on the right path when it comes to developing youngsters.
“In the last Italy Under-21 game, five of the starting eleven had come through our ranks here and a sixth lad of ours came on in the second half,” he commented.
“I don’t think there are too many foreign players in Italy; less than 10 per cent of Inter’s youth setup is made up of foreigners.
“It all comes down to individual quality at the end of the day. Our job is to ensure the lads develop in the best way possible.
“Inter are a club with a proven model and a very coherent structure, a club that is delivering big things in terms of helping young players grow.
“It’s no over-exaggeration to say that our youth setup has produced the most top players in the history of Italian football.”
Part of the Inter youth plan has seen a link-up with AC Prato.
“The President and sporting director Piero Ausilio wanted to start a strategic partnership with a Lega Pro club in order to give young players a chance to gain experience, so they are ready to play in Serie A as soon as possible.
“This year we’ve got five or six lads playing in the first team who came though the youth set-up.
“There are going to be a few more opportunities for them in the first team, thanks to the Europa League.
“Aside from Puscas and Bonazzoli, I’m also thinking about Camara – I think they’re ready to make that step up.”