Inter Milan Set to Decide New Head Coach with Two Main Candidates in Frame

Inter Milan will start formal talks today to choose their new head coach. Cesc Fabregas and Roberto De Zerbi are the two main candidates for the job.

WHAT HAPPENED?

After a big 5-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League final on May 31, manager Simone Inzaghi is expected to leave. The club has quickly identified his potential replacements, with Como manager Fabregas and Marseille boss De Zerbi emerging as leaders. Although several managers have been offered to the club, Inter will focus on these two options as they embark on a new journey.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite Inzaghi’s successful tenure at Inter, the humiliating Champions League defeat brought his reign to a bitter end. The 49-year-old guided Inter to two Champions League finals in three years, but the defeat marked the first time a team lost by such a large margin in the competition’s history since its inception in 1955. Inzaghi is expected to hold talks with Inter’s management tomorrow, with Saudi club Al-Hilal reportedly interested in signing him. This will be the first time there has been an overhaul after six years of the current system.

WHO IS CESC FABREGAS?

A former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea midfielder, Fabregas is quickly establishing himself as one of the most promising young coaches in Europe. He may not look like a typical front-runner due to his relative inexperience in management, but the Spaniard has impressed the management during his first season in Serie A after guiding Como to the top flight in his first campaign. Inter reportedly see Fabregas as an ideal candidate who can rebuild the squad and develop younger players. However, they will face resistance from the club as Como are reluctant to let their manager leave after their promotion campaign.

WHO IS ROBERTO DE ZERBI?

Currently managing Olympique Marseille, De Zerbi has built a reputation for his innovative tactics and the development of players at his disposal. The Italian coach impressed everybody during his time at Sassuolo, guiding them to the UEFA Europa League in the Premier League before moving to Brighton & Hove Albion. His blueprint involves a ball-oriented, possession-based style of play, which makes him one of the top coaches in Europe. De Zerbi’s vast experience in Italian football makes him an appealing option for Inter’s leadership as they look to revamp their tactics.

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER?

Inter are set to initiate official conversations with both candidates today as they aim to make a swift decision ahead of the 2025-26 season. From the outside, it looks like they are ready for a change in direction, as they are now focusing on two very young coaches to take over a team that has dominated Serie A for the past five to six years. It has also been suggested that if Inter do choose Fabregas, he will become the second-youngest coach to manage the Nerazzurri, behind Andrea Stramaccioni, who was appointed at the age of 36 in 2012.