Stefano Pioli is ready to “build an Inter side based on Italians. Players I’d love to have are Domenico Berardi and Federico Bernardeschi.”
The Chinese owners have already invested heavily in the squad, bringing in the likes of Antonio Candreva, Joao Mario, Gabigol and Atalanta’s Roberto Gagliardini.
“I think (Max) Allegri is absolutely right to say a successful team should have a nucleus of Italian players and the proof is in Juventus and Arrigo Sacchi’s Milan,” Pioli told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
Stefano Pioli is ready to “build an Inter side based on Italians. Players I’d love to have are Domenico Berardi and Federico Bernardeschi.”
The Chinese owners have already invested heavily in the squad, bringing in the likes of Antonio Candreva, Joao Mario, Gabigol and Atalanta’s Roberto Gagliardini.
“I think (Max) Allegri is absolutely right to say a successful team should have a nucleus of Italian players and the proof is in Juventus and Arrigo Sacchi’s Milan,” Pioli told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
“In Sacchi’s Milan everyone remembers Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard, but they forget that the core of the side was Franco Baresi, Giovanni Galli, Mauro Tassotti, Billy Costacurta, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Donadoni and Alberigo Evani.
“I think Inter are aware of this and Gagliardini’s arrival was part of that approach. There could, and indeed should, be more signings in future going in that direction, building an Inter side based on Italians.
“Clearly there are Italian talents, we are a big club and therefore need to bring in young Italian players. I think that’s an objective for the future choices on the transfer market.”
When asked which Italians he’d like in his Inter squad, Pioli pointed to Sassuolo forward Berardi and Fiorentina trequartista Bernardeschi.
“There are some very interesting young Italian players coming out and Berardi is certainly a talented player, as is Bernardeschi.
“I’d also like to point to Pinamonti. We mustn’t put too much pressure on, as he is really very young and only had one Europa League game, but he’s got great potential, quality and humility. I think he can be an important prospect not just for Inter, but also for Italian football.”
Meanwhile, Inter already invested up to €28m in Atalanta midfielder Gagliardini, who has started every game since his move.
“I believe Gagliardini is a modern midfielder. I like players who are versatile and Gagliardini can play in a two-man midfield or three, has a great sense of position and plays a simple but effective style. That is what I ask of my midfielders.
“The important thing is to cover the ground and have the right timing for runs. He is young and is still completing his game, but gives us energy, physicality and effectiveness.
“Gagliardini was an important investment for Inter.”