Inter are expected to choose their new Coach today and it’s a two-horse race between Gianfranco Zola and Marcelino.
Frank de Boer was sacked on Monday evening and there is still no replacement.
While Stefano Pioli was initially the favourite put forward by the club’s Italian directors Piero Ausilio and Giovanni Gardini, the former Lazio boss did not impress Suning representatives in Friday’s meeting.
Inter are expected to choose their new Coach today and it’s a two-horse race between Gianfranco Zola and Marcelino.
Frank de Boer was sacked on Monday evening and there is still no replacement.
While Stefano Pioli was initially the favourite put forward by the club’s Italian directors Piero Ausilio and Giovanni Gardini, the former Lazio boss did not impress Suning representatives in Friday’s meeting.
Marcelino seemed certain for the job following a Friday night dinner with the Chinese chiefs, but on Saturday morning there was a big surprise when Zola was spotted attending an interview at Inter headquarters.
According to several newspapers and Sky Sport Italia, Zola can now be considered in pole position because he has the backing of agent – and unofficial Suning consultant – Kia Joorabchian.
While Joorabchian had originally wanted Marcelino or Guus Hiddink, he is now more inclined towards keeping the Italian base happy by finding a Coach who is both internationally famous and has Serie A experience.
Zola would tick both boxes, as although his management career is extremely limited and often resulted in early sackings, he is a big name in China due to his time as a player at Chelsea.
A decision is expected later today, most likely after Inter’s Serie A match with Crotone at San Siro at 17.00 GMT.
Primavera youth team boss Stefano Vecchi is the caretaker manager for that encounter and trying to keep the team focused, having already lost his debut, a 2-1 Europa League trip to Southampton.
Sky Sport Italia and Rai Sport filmed Marcelino returning to his hotel last night and asked if he would be at the game. “I don’t know,” was the reply.
The reporters then asked if he was happy. “I’m always happy.”