Real Madrid’s decision to make Nico Paz available for €60 million has thrown Inter’s summer planning into fresh uncertainty, with the possibility of signing the Argentine forcing the club to fundamentally reconsider their approach to the midfield market, and potentially shelving their pursuit of Curtis Jones entirely.
According to Tuttosport, Inter had previously stepped back from the Paz race, redirecting their budget towards the Palestra operation.
But Madrid’s unexpected openness to a sale, driven by their own recruitment priorities under José Mourinho, who has Bastoni on his defensive shortlist, has reopened conversations at the Nerazzurri.
The challenge is financial: signing Paz would require an extraordinary budget injection from owners Oaktree, on top of the sales already planned.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Paz as Inter’s Luis Alberto could make Jones signing redundant this summer
This is where the Jones situation becomes directly relevant. Inter had offered Liverpool €20 million for the English midfielder, but Tuttosport reports that the club are now considering a tactical pivot, deploying Paz as an offensive mezzala in the mould of Luis Alberto during Inzaghi’s Lazio years.
If Paz fills that creative midfield role, Jones becomes unnecessary, and his €20 million budget can be redirected towards the Paz operation.
To fund the deal further, Inter would need a significant sales campaign. Alexandar Stankovic‘s outstanding season at Bruges could generate around €40 million, while Frattesi, Luis Henrique, Pavard and Carlos Augusto are all candidates for departure.
It is an ambitious restructuring, but one the club are prepared to consider if Paz’s availability proves genuine.
Inter defender Manuel Akanji insists Kevin De Bruyne can still have a ‘significant impact’ in Italian football as the Belgian was ‘unlucky’ in his first season at Napoli.
Akanji: De Bruyne can still have an impact in Serie A in 2026-27
“I think he can still have a significant impact in Italian football, absolutely,” Akanji said.
“Kevin is an extraordinary player and also a great friend of mine. This season, he was unlucky because an injury kept him out for a long time. When he returned, the title race was already decided. I would like to face Belgium and play against him, as it hasn’t happened often so far.”
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The Italian tactician’s assistant Cristian Stellini hit back, saying that the Belgian had never shown enthusiasm during his first season at the Stadio Maradona.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli are now waiting for Massimiliano Allegri to be released from Milan. Technically, the Italian is still under contract with the Rossoneri following his sacking at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Napoli have reached an agreement with an experienced Italian coach and are waiting for him to terminate his contract with the Rossoneri before starting his tenure at the Stadio Maradona.
Inter and Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji admits he’s ‘not a big fan’ of hydration breaks at the World Cup, but says the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is the best he’s ever played in.
Inter defender Akanji, a former Manchester City star, gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport while on international duty with the Switzerland national team at the 2026 World Cup.
Akanji’s side secured one win and one draw in the opening two group stage games.
Akanji opens up about Inter, Chivu, hydration breaks and more
The Swiss defender has just completed his first season at Inter, winning the domestic double at San Siro, lifting the Scudetto and Coppa Italia.
“Inter is a great school, a university that helps you grow in various aspects. I am very grateful to those who wanted me here, and I am happy to stay and win more with this coach,” he said.
Safe to say Akanji has enjoyed working with Cristian Chivu in 2025-26.
“I hadn’t often experienced playing in a back three at club level; it had only happened with the national team. But at Inter, I had to get to know the position much better and work with new teammates,” he said.
“Now I think differently in various game situations. If we were to switch to a back five in the future, I would know exactly what to do.
“Chivu understands players very well because he himself was a top-level footballer and experienced the same situations we are going through now,” Akanji continued.
“Furthermore, he has won many trophies with Inter and knows exactly what the club needs. He is also a very communicative and empathetic coach: he often talks to us players and, importantly, he is willing to listen to us. This is precisely what creates an excellent relationship with all of us.”
Italy were supposed in the same group as Switzerland at the World Cup, but the Azzurri were knocked out by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final.
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Manuel Akanji of Inter celebrates his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Bosnia lost 4-1 to Switzerland just a few days ago, in a match played at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
“Well, it’s truly fantastic. I told my friends that if we’re talking about the overall experience, this is the best stadium I’ve ever played in,” Akanji said.
“I’ve seen many, but SoFi is incredible. When you enter and look at everything around you, you are impressed and understand why it cost so much. I’m even an NFL enthusiast, but I’m neither a Rams nor a Chargers fan, the teams that play here.
“I support the Atlanta Falcons, and I’ve already been to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Georgia, which is very nice, but it doesn’t reach these levels. However, when it comes to football alone, playing at San Siro is simply unparalleled; it remains an incredible feeling.”
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Manuel Akanji of Internazionale warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Regarding the World Cup, Akanji was asked for his thoughts on the controversial hydration breaks, which seem aimed more at boosting sponsorship revenue than at ensuring players’ health.
“No, I’m not a big fan. I understand the organisational and commercial reasons; I understand that advertising and other activities can be inserted during those breaks,” Akanji said.
“But as a footballer, I think they take away from the match’s rhythm. If a team is struggling, a break can help them by allowing tactical adjustments, and conversely, it can interrupt a favourable moment.”
Multiple sources in Italy claim that Inter have resumed their interest in Nico Paz, given that Real Madrid are eager to bring the Argentine back from Como and put him on the market for €60m.
Inter still hope to sign Nico Paz this summer, as the Argentine’s future at either Como or Real Madrid is uncertain.
Inter resume interest in Nico Paz
Corriere dello Sport reported on Friday that Real Madrid were upset by Nico Paz’s decision to force his stay at Como for 2026-27, with the Merengues warning Cesc Fabregas’ side that they’d need €60m to retain Paz for a further campaign.
Football Italia discussed the transfer situation of Nico Paz in our latest transfer show on YouTube, which you can watch below.
Today’s update from Corriere della Sera, Tuttosport, and Corriere dello Sport is that Paz’s situation has once again sparked Inter’s interest.
The Nerazzurri are longtime admirers of the Argentine, and their vice-president, Javier Zanetti, is a good friend and former Argentina teammate of Nico Paz’s father, Pablo.
Zanetti and Pablo Paz were even part of the Argentina World Cup squad at the 1998 World Cup.
COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: Nico Paz of Como 1907 is challenged by Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
All three Italian sources report that Real Madrid still want to activate their €10m buy-back clause on Paz, then sell him for €60m.
Como can technically afford this move, but it may raise issues with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Inter, on the other hand, are in advanced talks with Atalanta to sign Marco Palestra for over €50m, so signing Nico Paz would require an extra budget from club owners Oaktree or the sale of some players such as Aleksandar Stankovic, Carlos Augusto, Andy Diouf, Luis Henrique, Davide Frattesi and Ange-Yoan Bonny.
Italy 2006 World Cup winner Marco Materazzi insists Roberto Mancini’s return as Italy’s head coach ‘could be an important solution’ and feels José Mourinho will ‘put pressure on Barcelona’ as the new Real Madrid coach.
Former Inter and Italy defender Materazzi gave an interview to Corriere dello Sport, speaking about Mancini’s potential return as Italy’s head coach, among other things.
Materazzi: Mancini ‘an important solution’ for Italy
“He left the national team a few years ago,” said the ex-defender, who played under Mancini at Inter.
“If he has the desire to return and take on a big responsibility, he could be an important part of the solution.”
Another ex-Materazzi coach, Mourinho, is making headlines this summer after returning to Real Madrid for a second stint.
“He is the right coach for Real Madrid. Perhaps his playing style is not aesthetically exciting, but it brings results. He’ll break the balance and put some pressure on Barcelona,” Materazzi said.
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Inter’s city rivals Milan failed to qualify for the Champions League last season and are still in talks to appoint new football directors after sacking Giorgio Furlani, Igli Tare and Geoffrey Moncada at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Materazzi already taunted RedBird’s advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, calling him the “biggest Inter fan in history”, and when asked for a solution to solve the Rossoneri’s issues, he replied: “Even if I had it, as an Inter fan, I wouldn’t say it.”
The coach calls the French camp to convince the two top players to stay. His pupil Hjulmand dreams of the Devil
Aknji and Inter: ‘We’ll win again with Chivu.’
The defender: ‘Happy to stay here.’ After Palestra, also Jones and Solet
The American dream: the USMNT beats Australia, Morocco crush Scotland
Corriere dello Sport
The Argentine doesn’t want to be a substitute at Real Madrid
Inter to Paz
Budget for Nico: from Frattesi to Diouf
It’s a complicated deal; the threat is the Premier League. Perez asks for 60m. Luis Henrique departing too. Stankovic and Bonny on hold. Palestra incoming, then Solet and Jones.
Italian football mourns Protti
Farewell, sweet Tzar
He was 58, elegant and strong, an example to everyone. Moving testament: ‘This wonderful journey has reached the final whistle.’
David wakes up: now Juventus do the counting
Tottenham and Lyon move. Carnevali sets the price: 30m
DeLa’s mission to De Bruyne and Lukaku
Aurelio the special fan in Los Angeles. Meret’s future is decided: he stays in Napoli
Roma-Greenwood: ball in D’Amico’s court
The director has the green light to operate: immediately in action. Friedkin calls McCourt, owner of OM.
‘Fans ask for more young players, stadiums and football free to watch.’
Incredible Ronaldinho: on the field with Ravenna.
Tuttosport
Protti’s death, loved by everyone, moves the world of football
Igor, a world of love
‘This wonderful journey has reached the final whistle,’ his farewell message. Diagnosed with cancer, he was 58. He was the Serie A top-goal scorer (the only one in history with a relegated team, Bari), B and C. The last farewell at the Livorno stadium.
Juve, World Cup deals
David’s awakening makes Carnevali happy on the market: eyes on Pepi of PSG and Marmoush of Man City.
Canada’s hat-trick against Qatar makes Juventus breathe a sigh of relief about a sale. In the plan for the attack, the alternatives to Sorloth and Kolo Muani (with the potential Vlahovic renewal in the background) are the American and the Egyptian, moving to pole position. Miretti is involved in negotiations with Bologna over Lucumì. Udinese ask for 15m for Zaniolo.
Obrador and Toro, it’s not over!
Inter try a Paz coup
Real: buy-back and then sale
The Spaniards want to put the Argentine on the market for 60m. Como is surprised; Oaktree thinks about it.
Koné, what a shock: ‘We heard the bone breaking.’
Dreams and marketing: Ronaldinho signs with Ravenna in Serie C!
Stefan De Vrij will be out of contract at Inter after June 30, and Friday’s reports indicate that the Netherlands international will not be signing a new deal in San Siro.
De Vrij expected to leave Inter on free transfer
De Vrij is one of several senior Nerazzurri players whose contracts will be expiring in less than a fortnight’s time, along with the likes of Yann Sommer, Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian.
Unlike Sommer, Acerbi and Darmian, the 34-year-old De Vrij had been offered the opportunity to extend his stay in San Siro and has been taking his time to evaluate his next steps.
According to the latest updates from Calciomercato.com, all signs point towards De Vrij leaving Inter on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract at the end of this month.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MAY 23: Stefan de Vrij of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Santiago Castro of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 23, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The former Lazio and Feyenoord defender reportedly has an offer on the table from Greek Super League side Panathinaikos and the Dutchman is said to be sold on the idea of Athens as his next destination.
Friday’s reports claim that Panathinaikos have presented De Vrij with a two-year contract offer worth €3m per season in wages.
Get today’s transfer updates with the Football Italia Transfer Show on YouTube with fresh news on Paulo Dybala, Nico Paz, Curtis Jones and much more.
The new episode of the Football Italia Transfer Show has dropped on our YouTube channel.
Football Italia Transfer Show: July 19, 2026
It’s been another day with plenty of juicy updates from Serie A, starting with Corriere dello Sport’s report that Nico Paz’s decision to stay at Como for one more season has upset Real Madrid, who still want to bring the Argentine back to the Bernabeu and have warned Cesc Fabregas’ side that they’ll need to pay €60m to remove Madrid’s buy-back option.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Paulo Dybala during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, Juventus have sounded out Paulo Dybala’s availability to return to Turin as contract extension talks between La Joya and the Giallorossi are still stalling and the striker’s contract expires on June 30, 2026.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Curtis Jones of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on December 13, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Inter are keen on Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, but the Reds are reluctant to let the Englishman leave for less than €30m.
Get the most relevant updates on the Football Italia Transfer Show. Watch the full episode below.
Former Italy star Marco Materazzi taunts his former Inter teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic: ‘With what he’s doing, he’s the biggest Inter fan in history.’
Safe to say it hasn’t been an easy summer for ex-Milan and Inter star Ibrahimovic, who is currently leading the Rossoneri’s rebuild as a senior advisor to Gerry Cardinale.
Materazzi jokes: Ibrahimovic is the biggest Inter fan
Milan sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and directors Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada and Igli Tare at the end of the 2025-26 campaign without having a clear plan B.
They did hire Ruben Amorim as their new coach on a three-year deal, but missed out first on Ralf Rangnick and then on Markus Kroche as Football Directors, meaning the Serie A giants are still without a leading figure deciding on the sporting project and new signings.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: AC Milan Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Questioned about his rivalry with Ibrahimovic during their playing career, ex-Inter defender Materazzi told Gazzetta: “For me, it was just an on-the-field matter. I don’t know about him. I can’t really say anything about him because, with what he’s doing, he’s the biggest Inter fan in history.”
The dispute between Ibra and Materazzi began in 2009, when the Swede pushed to join Barcelona and ultimately completed the move in a swap deal involving Samuel Eto’o.
MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 22: Head coach Jose Mourinho (L) and Marco Materazzi of Inter Milan celebrate their team’s victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League Final match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Inter Milan at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 22, 2010 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
“Eto’o knew he was strong; he had an incredible ego, but he put himself at the team’s disposal with humility,” Materazzi said.
“Even if, in footballing terms, he’s not the most humble I’ve ever met, he always gave his all for the team.
“He didn’t care whether Milito, Materazzi or Zanetti would score. What mattered was to lift the trophies. For this reason, I’ll forever be grateful to Ibrahimovic, as he left Barcelona and let us get Eto’o.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Liverpool refuse to lower their €30m asking price for Curtis Jones, but Inter are still confident of reaching an agreement with the Reds as the Englishman wants to move to San Siro.
Inter continue to push to sign Liverpool midfielder Jones and are confident of reaching an agreement with the Reds in the coming days.
Latest Inter transfer updates: Jones and Solet
Gazzetta reports that Inter sent an opening €20m offer for the 25-year-old earlier this week, but Liverpool continue to ask for €30m and a sell-on clause.
The Nerazzurri are reportedly working to finalise a deal in the coming days as they hope Jones can start the pre-season under Cristian Chivu in less than a month.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Curtis Jones of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Oumar Solet of Udinese Calcio celebrates during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 29, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Jones’ contract expires in a year, boosting Inter’s confidence that Liverpool will ultimately lower their asking price.
Gazzetta claims that Jones wants to move to Inter this summer.
The pink paper adds that the Nerazzurri have continued talks with Udinese over Oumar Solet and aim to bring the 26-year-old to San Siro in time for the start of the pre-season.
Meeting with Atalanta: agreement close for a 50m deal. Chivu signs until 2028
Carletto changes everything: Brazil with four strikers
Ancelotti with a super attack for a push against Haiti
Messi beats Ronaldo, duel (almost) over
Corriere dello Sport
Ancelotti changes, Montella risks
Watch Out for Paz
In Madrid, the Argentine feels blocked by Bellingham and Bernardo Silva
Real Madrid and Nico at odds: ‘Bring us €60 million.’
The talent has asked to play the Champions League with Como. Florentino picks the hard line: he doesn’t want to renew the loan. Cesc stunned. Premier League looming.
Inter, now there’s Jones. Chivu until 2028
Ausilio calls Liverpool: breakthrough for the full-back, 50m to La Dea
Kolo, Juve prepare the offer
New contacts with the entourage. Vicario advances in goal
Milan, now Leao is a burden
The Portuguese is disappointing at the World Cup too: Cardinale worried
Tuttosport
Lucumì, Juventus push
The Colombian centre-back is convincing in terms of leadership and versatility: contacts with the Rossoblu have resumed. Working on the 28m clause, the good relationship can ease the deal. Kolo Muani: Carnevali in talks with PSG. Attacking midfield: idea Zaniolo as an alternative to Brahim Diaz. Milan in the race too.
Toro and Abate: project Cacciamani
Montella risks flopping, asks for Yildiz’s help
Ancelotti remakes Brazil, but there’s the Neymar affair
Milan “İnter”inin baş məşqçisi, rumıniyalı futbol mütəxəssisi Kristian Kivu İtaliya klubu ilə yeni müqaviləyə imza atıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Milan klubu rəsmi saytı vasitəsilə məlumat yayıb.
Yeni müqavilə 2028-ci ilin yayına qədər nəzərdə tutulub. Tərəflər arasındakı əvvəlki müqavilənin müddəti gələn ilin yayında bitəcəkdi.
45 yaşlı rumıniyalı mütəxəssis 2025-ci ilin yayında “İnter”in baş məşqçisi təyin olunub. Onun rəhbərliyi altında komanda ilk mövsümdəcə həm İtaliya çempionluğunu, həm də ölkə kubokunu qazanıb.
“İnter” Kivunun rəhbərliyi altında 57 oyun keçirib, 38 qələbəyə sevinib, 7 heç-heçə edib, 12 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Kivu daha öncə İtaliyada “Parma”ya da rəhbərlik edib. Rumıniyalı məşqçi buna qədər “İnter”in müxtəlif yaş qruplarından ibarət komandalarında çalışıb.
Kivu futbolçu karyerası ərzində 2007–2014-cü illərdə “İnter”in formasını geyinib. O, Milan təmsilçisi ilə 3 dəfə İtaliya çempionu olub, 2 dəfə ölkə kubokunu və super kubokunu qazanıb. Bundan əlavə, bir dəfə UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının, bir dəfə isə Klublararası Dünya Çempionatının qalibi adını qazanıb.
Rumıniyalı sabiq müdafiəçi İtaliyada həmçinin “Roma” klubunda çıxış edib və paytaxt təmsilçisi ilə İtaliya Kubokunu qazanıb.
Inter have officially announced that head coach Cristian Chivu has put pen to paper on a new contract extension, which will tie the Romanian to the club until the summer of 2028.
Chivu’s contract extension comes as a reward after a remarkable first season in charge, guiding the Nerazzurri to a Serie A and Coppa Italia double in what was the 45-year-old’s first full season as a head coach.
Chivu spent the final seven years of his playing career in San Siro and held coaching roles with Inter’s U14s, U17s, U18s and the Primavera side before taking charge of Parma in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign.
Chivu was then brought back to Inter following the departure of Simone Inzaghi at the end of the 2024-25 season and ended up guiding the Nerazzurri to both the Coppa Italia trophy and the Scudetto in 2025-26.
Chivu’s previous contract had been due to expire next year, in the summer of 2027.
What Inter said about Chivu’s contract extension
“FC Internazionale Milano is delighted to confirm the contract extension of head coach Cristian Chivu. Thanks to the contract renewal, Coach Chivu will stay in charge of the Nerazzurri until 2028,” read a statement on the club website.
“Cristian Chivu’s story is truly unique: it’s a story defined by passion and sacrifice, it’s a tale of memorable and defining moments. It’s a story entrenched in Nerazzurri colours, with the Club there at every stage of the coach’s life, as was the case when Chivu was appointed Inter head coach on 9 June 2025.
Official: Inter appoint Cristian Chivu as head coach (via www.inter.it)
“Since then, Cristian has been on the touchlines for Inter for 58 matches in an intense and demanding season that proved unforgettable as the months went by. The coach won a historic double featuring Inter’s 21st Scudetto, the Club’s tenth Coppa Italia. These were victories from a special team built under the Romanian coach, who was also recognised as Serie A Coach of the Season for 2025/26.
“Pride, loyalty, and passion for Inter: these were Chivu’s words to introduce himself to the Nerazzurri family at the start of his third stint with Inter. Words that served as a mantra, guiding his daily work with the squad and building the foundations for a triumphant season.
“They are also values he recognised in his players, the core of a special team that went on to achieve remarkable success. Chivu has always allowed his team to be recognised for their merits, stepping back to let them have their moments to shine, even in the most celebratory moments.
“These include the Coppa Italia ceremony in Rome, when he left the stage to the players, and at San Siro during the Serie A trophy celebration, when his players had to encourage him to lift the trophy with captain Lautaro Martinez. Perhaps the most special recognition of all: a group that truly views Chivu as their leader and guide.
via www.inter.it
“He’s a coach who can read every moment, a master who has passed on the values of Inter passion, a tradition long carried forward by a group that has consistently raised the profile of the Nerazzurri colours over the years.
“This has been a key part of Inter’s journey, a factor that has given the players self-belief and allowed them to pick themselves back up after they were knocked down, a driving force ready to propel the team towards new challenges and new goals: from the Champions League to the league title, via the Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup.
“This season has also seen the Romanian coach set several records: Chivu won the Scudetto as a coach after winning three league titles as a player, a feat achieved only by Armando Castellazzi in 1937/38, after winning in midfield for Inter’s 1929/30 Scudetto, while the legendary Virgilio Fossati had won as player-manager of the first championship in Nerazzurri history.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Lautaro Martinez lifts the Coppa Campioni d’Italia trophy following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“That’s not all, Chivu is also the fifth Inter coach in history to win Serie A in his first season, after Árpad Weisz (1929/30), Alfredo Foni (1952/53), Giovanni Invernizzi (1970/71), and Jose Mourinho (2008/09). Chivu’s records extent to more than this as he is the second coach to win Serie A with both the first team and the Primavera side, having previously won with Inter’s youth squad in 2022.
“Alongside him, only Invernizzi had accomplished this, who, as well as the 1971 title, also won three Primavera tournaments in 1964, 1966, and 1969. Chivu is therefore the first to win the Scudetto across all three of his Nerazzurri ‘lives’. With the addition of the Coppa Italia, he has once again rewritten the record books, becoming the only figure in Inter history to win both competitions in the same season as both player and coach.
Cristian Chivu is the new coach of Inter
“Triumphs and spectacular achievements, possible only for those who truly know what it means to have passion for Inter, a value that has defined the entire season and will once again guide Cristian Chivu until 2028.”
The latest Football Italia Transfer Show is out on YouTube. Check out today’s most relevant updates from Italy.
Italy international Marco Palestra is expected to join Inter by next week, as the newly crowned Serie A champions had a positive meeting with Atalanta on Thursday and are close to reaching an agreement over the full-back’s transfer fee.
Inter have moved quickly to replace Denzel Dumfries, who will move to Real Madrid for €20m.
Serie A transfer round-up June 18
Inter’s city rivals Milan are still looking for a director of football and a sporting director, and the uncertainty regarding the club’s management has unsettled some key members of the team, such as Mike Maignan and Adrien Rabiot, according to Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport.
COMO, ITALY – JANUARY 15: Mike Maignan of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AC Milan at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on January 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Both Frenchmen are reportedly considering leaving Milan this summer, even though they have not yet made any public statement about their intentions, unlike their teammate Rafael Leao.
Jonathan David, on the other hand, wants to stay at Juventus to prove his worth in 2026-27, and according to Gazzetta, the Canadian’s stance complicates the Bianconeri’s search for a new centre-forward.
Roma remain keen on Mason Greenwood, and it is cheaper for the Giallorossi to sign the Englishman by the end of the month than from July 1.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 25: Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United is challenged by Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Olympique de Marseille and Newcastle United FC at Stade de Marseille on November 25, 2025 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
As reported by Gazzetta, Marseille might be forced by financial difficulties to accept a €50m fee, including add-ons, to sell Greenwood before June 30, while, from July 1, a €60m clause will activate for the ex-Manchester United winger.
Find out today’s transfer updates in the Football Italia Transfer Show
Sky Sport Italia reports that Marco Palestra is closing in on a move to Inter after the latest meeting between the Serie A champions and Atalanta today.
Inter are close to reaching a full agreement with Atalanta for Palestra, according to Sky Sport Italia.
Latest meeting brings Palestra closer to Inter
The Italian broadcasters claim that a meeting between the two clubs took place on Thursday morning, helping the newly crowned Serie A champions move closer to Atalanta’s demands.
According to the report, the two parties hope to shake hands by the end of next week.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Marco Palestra of Cagliari Calcio reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Cagliari Calcio at Artemio Franchi on January 24, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Currently, the two parties are discussing the bonus structure and a potential sell-on clause for Atalanta, so an agreement is not too far away.
Palestra has also attracted interest from the Premier League, especially Chelsea and Manchester City.
Sky Sport, however, already reported a few days ago that the promising Italian defender was willing to wait for Inter and Atalanta to reach an agreement, having prioritised a move to San Siro.
Inter have planned to make Palestra their replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who is set to move to Real Madrid in a €20m deal.
Sky Sport Italia reports that both Juventus and Napoli have shown interest in Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after Inter opted for Lazio’s Ivan Provedel instead.
Napoli and Juventus have set their sights on Tottenham keeper Vicario, according to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio.
Vicario transfer news: latest updates with interest from Serie A
Inter had chased the Italy international for several weeks in the past, but the Nerazzurri eventually decided to pick Provedel from Lazio and promote Josep Martinez to a starting role for 2026-27 following Yann Sommer’s exit as a free agent.
The Serie A interest in Vicario, however, remains very much alive, with both Juventus and Napoli tracking the ex-Empoli and Cagliari keeper.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur at City Ground on December 14, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reacts during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Juventus have made Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez their primary target for a goalkeeper, but they have not yet reached an agreement with the Premier League club and would consider Vicario if he were less expensive than the Argentine.
Napoli, on the other hand, would only open formal talks for Vicario’s return to Serie A if one of their goalkeepers, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic or Alex Meret, were to leave this summer.
Inter striker Marcus Thuram has joked that he is ‘a bit jealous’ of Lautaro Martinez and his relationship with Argentina teammate Lionel Messi after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s hat-trick against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup.
Thuram jokes with Martinez after Messi’s World Cup masterpiece
It was a performance for the ages as Messi stuck a hat-trick past Algeria to draw level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest goalscorer in World Cup history.
Both have 16 to their name and it now seems a matter of when, rather than if, Messi will claim the record for himself.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez was also part of the Argentina side that got off to a winning start at the 2026 World cup and shared a series of pictures of himself hugging his legendary teammate to his Instagram profile, captioned: “Victory in the first game, step by step with lots of enthusiasm. Vamos Argentina.”
Among the commenters was Martinez’s strike partner at club level, Thuram, who replied with a GIF that read: ‘A bit of jealousy there,” which has gone down well among Inter and Argentina supporters alike.
The agent of Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel has confirmed that his client is closing in on a move to join Inter during the summer transfer window: ‘We’re very close, he’s always been an Inter fan’.
Inter ‘very close’ to finalising low-cost Provedel deal
According to reports from various sources in Italy, the Nerazzurri are down to the final details of a deal to sign Provedel from Lazio and are hoping to exchange documents with the Biancocelesti within the next few days.
According to the latest updates from Gianluca Di Marzio, Provedel has agreed to a three-year contract, which would see him through until the age of 35, with wages reported to be worth around €1.5m per season.
The two clubs reportedly have a verbal agreement over a fee of just €3m for Provedel, who will otherwise be heading into the final year of his contract at the Stadio Olimpico.
“We’re very close, we’ve been working in the right direction,” said Provedel’s agent Gianni Rava. “I hope that we’ll soon be able to close this transfer. Let’s hope for the best.”
Rava later added: “Provedel has always been an Inter fan and I think it would be the closing of a full circle for him in terms of his career. He’s a great player and will come here to put his cards on the table, we’ll see. We’re confident.”
Bayern Munich’s English forward #09 Harry Kane (L) scores the 3-0 past Lazio’s Italian goalkeeper #94 Ivan Provedel during the UEFA Champions League round of 16, second-leg football match between FC Bayern Munich and Lazio in Munich, southern Germany on March 5, 2024. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
Inter are bringing in Provedel to replace the departing Yann Sommer, who has served as the club’s no.1 for the last three seasons. The 37-year-old is leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June.
The Nerazzurri had been linked with a series of more expensive first-choice options, such as Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario, but have since decided to promote their recent understudy Josep Martinez and bring in an experienced, Serie A-proven back-up option in Provedel instead.
June 17 Transfer News – Latest Football Italia Show
Cristian Chivu will sign a contract extension with Inter until 2028 after the coach’s agent visited the club’s headquarters today.
Juventus and Roma must make a capital gain by the end of the month to comply with Financial Fair Play, and according to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri have been offered Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo in a swap deal for Andrea Cambiaso.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 06: Ronald Araujo of Uruguay lines up prior to the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 quarterfinal match between Uruguay and Brazil at Allegiant Stadium on July 06, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
According to Tuttosport, Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin has also been offered to the Old Lady by the defender’s agents, who are on good terms with Marco Ottolini, Juventus’ sporting director.
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