Inter Milan

Inter Milan have announced the signing of Nicolo Barella from Cagliari Calcio on Friday.

The club's official website confirmed the 22-year-old has arrived on a 12-month loan deal, with Inter obliged to complete his permanent transfer next summer.

Barella made his Italy debut in 2018 and has developed into one of his country's most promising midfielders.

OFFICIAL: Inter Milan sign 22-year-old midfielder Nicolo Barella from Cagliari on loan with an option to buy ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/s8Hkf7Csq3

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 12, 2019

According to Inter's website, Barella regained possession more than any other player in Serie A last term, and he has also won the most duels in the league over the past two campaigns.

The youngster appeared in 35 Serie A games last season, and is ready for the next jump in his career.

Inter are under the guidance of new manager Antonio Conte, with the addition of Barella an important building block for the former Chelsea coach.

Inter Milan chief executive officer Giuseppe Marotta has said the Italian club "cannot rush" in regards to their pursuit of Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku. 

The Nerazzurri have been linked with Lukaku in recent weeks, but Marotta suggested the financial implications of the deal must be properly accounted for. When asked about the United frontman, the Inter chief told reporters:

"The transfer market is a work in progress. We are working hard to get the best squad possible for the new season. We are ambitious and want the best team possible. We also must find ways to respect all financial perimeters too.

"We cannot rush things because that can lead to mistakes. We have clear ideas, but we need to be patient. We have important goals and transfer targets in mind."

Lukaku moved to Old Trafford in 2017 for an initial £75 million, but the Belgium international hasn't been the success many at United would have hoped for and could be sold this summer.

The links with Inter have been strengthened after Antonio Conte was appointed their new manager this summer. Journalist Kristof Terreur recently noted Conte had a serious interest in Lukaku (then at Everton) when he was manager of Chelsea in 2017:

Jurgen Klopp was texting and calling Kevin De Bruyne when he was still a Dortmund coach. Antonio Conte called Romelu Lukaku a few days before he signed for Man United, after Jose Mourinho had convinced him ... during a phone call... https://t.co/UYWcz5qtiK

— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) July 7, 2019

Lukaku also encouraged speculation in June when he told Sport Mediaset (h/t Evening Standard's Vaishali Bhardwaj) Conte was "the best manager in the world" and that he wanted to play in Italy:

"I was always a big fan of the Italian league. People close to me, they know I have two leagues that I always dreamed about—the English league and Serie A. So, for me, Serie A is my favourite league as well. 

"The transfer of [Cristiano] Ronaldo, the Italian league is now coming back. Now Antonio Conte going to Inter Milan, which is really good because he is, to me, the best manager in the world. 

"And then you have Maurizio Sarri going to Juventus, [Carlo] Ancelotti at Napoli, so I think Serie A will be really exciting next year. I'm really happy for Italian football."

The 26-year-old scored 15 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions last term and has enjoyed patches of success. James Robson of the Evening Standard wrote the Red Devils are also open to keeping their man:

Inter have offered at least two players in part ex for Lukaku. Solskjær has his eyes on replacements elsewhere so #mufc are insisting on cash only. They’re also confident Lukaku won’t be disruptive if forced to stay https://t.co/mITX0tNI7n

— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) June 26, 2019

Marotta's comments suggest the two parties could still unite this summer, though Lukaku has joined the rest of United's squad on their pre-season tour of Australia.

Mauro Icardi's potential departure could free up the funds and squad space necessary to accommodate Lukaku's arrival. Marotta also confirmed Icardi and midfielder Radja Nainggolan "are not part of our project," with each likely to be sold this summer.

Lukaku enjoyed a fruitful first season at United and returned 27 goals in 51 appearances. Sky Sports Statto recently pointed to his strike rate as one of the club's best in recent times, having joined around 18 months after team-mate Marcus Rashford made his debut:

📊 Most goals for Manchester Utd in all competitions since Marcus Rashford's senior debut in Feb 2016:

⚽️ 45 - MARCUS RASHFORD
⚽️ 42 - Romelu Lukaku
⚽️ 38 - Anthony Martial#MUFC pic.twitter.com/e7fSC2lY0V

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) July 1, 2019

Inter seemingly have a strong desire to comply with financial fair play regulations, though a drawn-out transfer saga could also work in their favour if they want United to drop their valuation of Lukaku.

The Premier League transfer window will close on August 8, while Serie A clubs have a couple more weeks to make signings and won't see their window shut until August 23.

Inter Milan director Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed Mauro Icardi and Radja Nainggolan will each leave the club this summer, suggesting the pair don't possess "the right profiles" for the team.

Both players were at the centre of controversy during the 2018-19 season, and Marotta told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia) Icardi and Nainggolan will leave during the summer transfer window:

"When building a project, you have to find the right profiles. 

"We had the opportunity to speak to the players themselves, with full respect for their contractual situations, but explained the position of the club, which I think is the most important thing.

"Both players know full well they are not part of our plans. That doesn't mean we doubt their talent or capabilities, as I consider them to be two excellent players."

Marotta concluded by saying: "Talent can win you games, but the squad wins you the league, which is the main objective we are setting out for. They are not part of our project, with all due respect."

Icardi was stripped of the Inter captaincy in February and sat out six weeks on the sidelines because of his disciplinary issues. He fell out with then-manager Luciano Spalletti, and it was reported soon after Antonio Conte's arrival at the helm this summer that he wanted the striker to be sold.

Despite the intensifying pace regarding an exit, commentator Adam Summerton doubted there was any truth to the speculation of a divide regarding Icardi:

Hope Napoli aren’t being used to draw out Juve ... That said, Icardi will probably be at San Siro come September. We’ve been here before #FCIM

— Adam Summerton (@adamsummerton) July 5, 2019

Nainggolan was also suspended by Inter this term and sat out a Serie A game against Napoli in December, which the Nerazzurri went on to win 1-0 without their midfield star. Sportmediaset (h/t Calciomercato.com) explained Nainggolan went clubbing after a 1-1 draw with Chievo and was late to training the next day.

There were rumours earlier this summer that the Belgium international could be sold, and Sport Witness said in June there were English top-flight teams showing interest:

Radja Nainggolan | Inter have put him on the market, say TMW, even a loan is possible.

And there's been 'very cautious' enquiries from Premier League clubs.

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) June 26, 2019

Icardi, 26, is by a distance the more valuable of the pair and boasts a prolific record of 124 goals in 219 appearances for Inter. 

Milanese journalist Tancredi Palmeri reacted to Marotta's recent remarks and suggested the admission over their exit doesn't give Inter the best bargaining stance ahead of selling:

BOOM! Inter director Marotta telling explicitly: “Icardi and Nainggolan ain’t anymore part of our project”.
Now that’s not exactly the best way to sell them

— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 6, 2019

Juventus blogger Arjun Pradeep provided a breakdown of the Italian media's reaction to the decision over Icardi's fate, with Serie A champions Juventus and runners-up Napoli said to be interested:

Gazzetta are saying today that Icardi is really open to joining Napoli but ADL will take a few weeks to complete the operation. He's ready to start with a €60m offer.

In contrast, Il Giornale say that Juventus have practically reserved Icardi.

— Arjun Pradeep (@IndianRegista) July 6, 2019

Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) reported Napoli might even be willing to offer star winger Lorenzo Insigne in order to tempt Inter into a sale.

Speculation has followed both players for some time now, but former Juventus director Marotta has now provided clarity on Icardi and Nainggolan's futures at the San Siro.

Inter Milan "are seriously trying to sign" Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United, but it is "a complicated dream," according to the striker's agent, Federico Pastorello. 

Pastorello met with Inter executives in Milan on Wednesday, and afterwards he told Sky in Italy (h/t MailOnline's David Wood) Lukaku is a key target for the Nerazzurri:

"It was just a chat. I spoke with the director [Giuseppe Marotta] to understand the club's intentions with the player. They will take the decisions. We can't put a time frame on it. We will see the decisions they will take. We do not decide them: It is clear that if they want to buy the player, they have to move.

"Inter are seriously trying to sign him, they are all out for him. Goals are not always there to be reached, but it's a declared target. At the moment, it remains a complicated dream."

Lukaku would likely be open to a move to the San Siro.

Per Sky Italia's Lords of Football (h/t Goal's James Westwood), he has previously said it is "a dream" of his to play in Serie A, and he has also lost his starting spot at United.

Under manager Jose Mourinho, Lukaku was United's preferred No. 9. But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who succeeded Mourinho last December, has shown a clear preference for Marcus Rashford as his main striker.

Belgium international Lukaku has netted 28 goals in 65 Premier League games for United since signing from Everton for £75 million in July 2017.

According to Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol, United are willing to let the 26-year-old leave Old Trafford, but they want to recoup all the money they spent on him:

Romelu Lukaku's agent tells Sky Italy it's "a difficult dream" for Inter Milan to sign Lukaku. Manchester United willing to listen to offers but want £75m. Lukaku has returned early to United for preseason training

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 3, 2019

Inter would have to pay a club-record transfer fee in order to meet that valuation.

Lukaku, meanwhile, could likely benefit from a move to Inter, where he could rediscover his best form under manager Antonio Conte.

While the former Chelsea forward has struggled recently in the Premier League, his international record is proof of his continuing knack for goalscoring:

⚽️ Romelu Lukaku’s goal record since the start of June 2018
Belgium - 14 goals in 15 games
Man Utd - 15 goals in 45 games pic.twitter.com/yZB49w5OQt

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) June 11, 2019

If Lukaku could transfer his Belgium form to Serie A, he could be a valuable purchase for Inter as they aim to compete for the title again.

Inter Milan chief executive Giuseppe Marotta wasn't willing to answer questions regarding the future of striker Mauro Icardi on Friday as rumours mount that he could be sold this summer.

The Argentina international has had a difficult 2019 and ended this season in poor standing with the Inter fanbase. Marotta spoke to the media as the Nerazzurri announced their summer training camp, but the topic of Icardi brought a negative reaction.

"Icardi? Let's move on to the next question," Marotta said. "Evaluations of the squad are premature. There will be a special press conference scheduled to illustrate what the team will look like. I prefer not to answer now for a question of correctness."

Antonio Conte was appointed Inter manager in May after Luciano Spalletti was sacked at the end of the season. Icardi was dropped from the latter's matchday squads throughout February and March amid a contract dispute with the club, and Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano said the new boss wants rid of the forward:

#Inter Antonio Conte doesn't want Mauro Icardi into his team. He wants Icardi OUT from Inter. The player today asked to stay again... but Conte wants him out. Game over. 🔵 #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2019

It doesn't appear as though Icardi has done his utmost to resolve the situation, either. Calciomercato.com reported he and his wife, Wanda Nara—who also acts as Icardi's agent—recently left Milan for a family holiday despite knowing talks with the club were scheduled.

The 26-year-old scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, but only 11 of which came in Serie A, representing his second-lowest-scoring campaign in the league since he arrived at Inter in 2013.

The player was regularly seen attending Inter matches in the stands during his time out of the team, but journalist Siavoush Fallahi noticed the right attitude was still lacking after his return:

Icardi is embarrassing to watch. He's not in the game. You can complain all you want about Perisic and the others but they're sweating and giving what they got. Icardi is totally checked out. Really needs a goal

— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) May 13, 2019

It appears as though Inter already have an attacking replacement lined up. La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Metro) reported terms have been agreed with Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku, who could join in a deal worth £62 million.

Icardi made 37 appearances in all competitions but had a major drop-off in goals after the turn of the year, as noted by sports writer Sacha Pisani:

Via @OptaPaolo:

The only two Serie A goals Mauro Icardi scored in 2019 both came from the penalty spot, away from home.#NapoliInter

— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) May 19, 2019

Marotta joined Inter's backroom in December and enjoyed great success with Conte during their time together at Juventus.

It's difficult to imagine the pair will have different approaches on how to deal with such matters, and Marotta's comments may suggest there's a united willingness to sell the player.

New Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte has said "courtesy and respect" will be key values during his tenure at the club, and explained the Nerazzurri's ambition and history were reasons why he chose the project. 

The former Juventus and Chelsea boss finally completed his long-awaited move to the Italian fashion capital on Friday:

📃 | OFFICIAL

Antonio Conte will be Inter's new Coach!#WelcomeAntonio pic.twitter.com/kFk8tktl7z

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) May 31, 2019

Conte did an interview with the club's official YouTube channel (h/t Football Italia) after he was officially introduced:

"My first impressions have been positive. For me, it's a new experience, a new chapter in my life, a new challenge. This is what I live for and I'm really excited to begin this new chapter.

"I would like to thank the president for his wonderful words. Through my work, I'll try to repay all of the trust that the club and directors have placed in me.

"What struck me was the clear aims of the project, the professionalism, the ambition, the club's history – this is a top club, one of the best in Italy and throughout the world – and the desire that the owners have to bring Inter back to where it belongs. [...]

"We need to have the same ambition, the same hunger, the same determination, the same enthusiasm to bring Inter back to winning ways, back to where it deserves to be.

"I constantly like using two words to ensure that the message is very clear and simple: courtesy and respect. I show courtesy and respect and demand courtesy and respect at the same time.

"I think these are two key words if you want to build something important in general and always have respect for the different roles."

The 49-year-old will start his new job with massive expectations after finding tremendous success with Juventus and Chelsea. He guided the Bianconeri to three straight titles between 2011 and 2014, their first since they were relegated to Serie B as part of the Calciopoli scandal.

After a spell with the Italian national team, he joined Chelsea, winning the Premier League title in his first season. While the Blues only finished fifth the following year―a result that led to his departure―his spell in England was still an impressive one:

Antonio Conte was the first manager to win 30 Premier League games in a single season, the first manager to complete a league double vs Pep Guardiola & the first manager to beat José Mourinho in an English domestic cup final.

If you’d forgotten how good he was, he’s back. 🔵⚫️ pic.twitter.com/ibmVaexrUX

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 31, 2019

He patiently waited for the right move during the past season, and after it became clear Massimiliano Allegri would leave Juventus this summer, he was linked to his old club. Sport Mediaset, La Stampa and La Repubblica all reported on the news, per Football Italia.

Instead, he has reunited with Giuseppe Marotta in the Italian fashion capital. Marotta and Conte were seen as the two driving forces behind Juventus' rise back to the top of Italian football. 'Beppe' left Turin last year.

By joining Juventus' biggest rivals, Conte will add a ton of pressure and excitement to the Derby d'Italia, one of the biggest rivalry matches in Serie A. A large section of Juventus fans are already calling for his star in the club stadium to be removed:

UPDATE: There are now over 7,000 signatures! https://t.co/DaJl3hAsts

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) May 31, 2019

Before he became Juventus coach, he was a star midfielder and captain for the Bianconeri, winning five Serie A titles and the UEFA Champions League. Managers have moved from Turin to Milan in the past, but the hatred between the two clubs has grown significantly since Calciopoli:

He's not the same as Lippi or Il Trap. He represented us on the pitch, on 5 maggio, he was Mister Lippi's mouthpiece on the field. He was a Juventus captain. Sign the petition if you want. Feel something about his decision. Ignore people saying otherwise. The hell with Conte

— JuveFC (@juvefcdotcom) May 31, 2019

In all likelihood, Conte will not see much courtesy and respect when he returns to the Allianz Stadium for the first time.

New Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte has denied reports the Nerazzurri have already met with Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku, and he also hasn't addressed Mauro Icardi's future with the Argentinian yet. 

Conte spoke to BBC World Service (h/t Football Italia) after he was officially announced as the new Inter manager, and he was asked about the speculation linking the club to Lukaku. He said:

"For sure we have a plan and we'll try to improve the team, but it's also very important to have a great will and great ambition.

"It's not true [Inter met Lukaku] but I repeat at this moment, there's a sporting director to talk about this and answer questions about the transfer market.

"Now we're very focused to take the first step and start working together. Every situation we'll see, and we'll make the best decision with the club.

On Icardi, he kept his comments brief when asked if they have talked already: "No, no, absolutely not. I've only just started to breathe the Inter atmosphere. I now have to go with my hands and feet into this new challenge."

The former Juventus and Chelsea manager had long been linked to the Nerazzurri, and the news finally became official on Friday:

🚦 | Buckle up, Inter fans. Conte's at the wheel.#WelcomeAntonio pic.twitter.com/8l7oPONGiq

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) May 31, 2019

As his appointment has seemed a formality for some time, there has already been plenty of speculation regarding his next move in the transfer market.

According to the Independent's Miguel Delaney, Inter have agreed to make a play for Lukaku:

Antonio Conte took the Inter Milan job on condition they launch move for Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku

By @MiguelDelaney https://t.co/l26TZ7uK6z

— Indy Football (@IndyFootball) May 31, 2019

The Belgium international had an up-and-down season for United, scoring 12 goals in the Premier League. He had little service to work with under former manager Jose Mourinho, and both his play and output improved when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge.

The 26-year-old has been linked with an exit for much of the season, and in April, he opened the door to a Serie A switch. He told Sky Italia's Lords of Football (h/t Goal's James Westwood) it would be a dream to play in Italy: "Playing in Serie A is a dream, it would be really a dream. I hope to be able to play sooner or later, even if at the moment I am focused on the United."

Icardi's future also is in question after a controversy-filled 2018-19 campaign. Per Football Italia, the Inter ultra fans addressed the issues―which included a falling out after he lost his captaincy―and stated they no longer want him to be part of the team.

His wife and agent Wanda Nara remains adamant he wants to stay in Milan for at least one more season, however, per TyC Sports (h/t Football Italia): "He has two years left on his contract. His intention is to stay with Inter for at least another season."

The former Sampdoria man has been Inter's top attacking weapon for several seasons, although he only scored 11 Serie A goals in the 2018-19 campaign.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport (h/t Jack Otway of the Daily Express), United are interested in the 26-year-old, and a swap deal involving Lukaku is a possibility.

Wanda Nara, the wife and agent of Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi, has said the player wishes to spend "at least another season" with the club amid rumours he could be heading for the exit this summer. 

Icardi endured his worst season at the San Siro to date and spent a portion of the campaign sidelined by the club amid allegations of a falling out with former manager Luciano Spalletti.

However, Nara told TyC Sports (h/t Football Italia) her husband's intent is to remain in Milan: "He has two years left on his contract. His intention is to stay with Inter for at least another season."

But the Nerazzurri may not be as eager to continue following the controversy that's unfolded in recent months. Icardi, 26, scored a total of 17 goals in 37 appearances this season, his lowest return since the 2015-16 campaign.

On top of a lower production rate this term, contract talks got in the way and eventually led to Icardi being dropped for six Serie A games in February and March. Luciano Spalletti, who was coach at the time, called it "humiliating" that Inter had to negotiate with their own captain to play for the team.

Nevertheless, Spalletti steered the Milan giants to fourth in Serie A and into next season's UEFA Champions League, though sportswriter Siavoush Fallahi attributed none of that to Icardi:

1. Samir motm.
2. Keita showed what he is.
3. Inter resolved it without Icardi.
4. Icardi wanted to be the hero, came out a zero.
5. Nainggolan sent Inter to CL.
6. Vecino is the only big match player this team has. Always decisive
7. Pazza Inter AMALA

— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) May 26, 2019

Former Juventus coach Antonio Conte has since been appointed to the Inter helm and is said to want rid of Icardi as one of his first orders of business, per Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t AS).

Icardi joined Inter from Sampdoria in 2013 and has scored 124 goals in 214 appearances for the club. The Argentina international rose to the captaincy and established a hero's following in Milan, but his future now looks less certain.

Andrew Cesare Richardson of ESPN FC wrote Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku is a top priority for Conte, potentially as a replacement for Icardi should he be sold.

BBC Sport's Simon Stone provided some context on Conte's interest in the player:

The view has been Conte would want Lukaku (as he did at Chelsea) when he returned to management. View at Inter is that Lukaku more realistic financially for them than Sanchez. As Lukaku kept being left out, I assume OGS would be open to sale BUT sums need to work.

— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) May 31, 2019

Icardi has scored only two league goals in 2019 and appears to have lost the backing among some Inter supporters, not to mention the new manager appears open to a sale.

Nara's comments suggest Icardi is eager to remain in Milan and assert himself as one of Inter's leaders, but it could prove too little, too late.

Inter Milan on Friday appointed Antonio Conte as their new manager.

News of the move came via the club's official Twitter account, with Conte stepping in to replace Luciano Spalletti at the San Siro:

📃 | UFFICIALE

Antonio Conte sarà il nuovo allenatore dell’Inter!#WelcomeAntonio pic.twitter.com/AtklPrKlkX

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) May 31, 2019

According to Fabrizio Romano of the Guardian, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich also showed an interest in Conte, but he was keen to return to Italian football.

Conte has been out of management for a year, having previously been at Chelsea. In his two seasons with the Blues he won the Premier League title and the FA Cup.

The 49-year-old cemented his reputation as one of the best managers in the world during his time in Serie A, though, as he excelled when in charge of Juventus.

In three years with the Bianconeri, he won three Italian top-flight titles, kicking off the dominant spell Juventus are enjoying. They finished top of Serie A again in 2018-19, making it eight league wins in a row.

Conte will bring his trademark managerial style to Inter. Throughout his time as a coach, he has tended to favour a three-man defence and wing-backs, a setup that gives his teams organisation and tactical fluidity.

The former midfielder has also proved himself a tremendous motivator and a passionate figure on the sidelines, something that endears him to the fans of the team he's in charge of.

At Inter, he will take over a team of talented players who have failed to live up to their potential. Football journalist Gabriele Marcotti thinks the speculation regarding Conte has hindered the team's push for a UEFA Champions League berth:

Inter losing 3-0 at Napoli, Atalanta winning away to Juve, Milan winning earlier...
As it stands:
Atalanta 68
Inter 66
Milan 65
3 teams for 2 spots. And Inter only one facing opponent with something at stake on final day.
SMH... divine punishment for encouraging this Conte talk

— Gabriele Marcotti (@Marcotti) May 19, 2019

ESPN FC's Andrew Cesare commented on what was an intriguing situation at the San Siro in the final weeks of the season:

Inter's situation is so bizarre: they need to reach the Champions League or they won't be able to afford to sack Luciano Spalletti and hire Antonio Conte.

Effectively, Spalletti is being asked to finance his own replacement

— Andrew Cesare (@AndrewCesare) May 18, 2019

It will be interesting to see how Conte's appointment goes down with the Inter fanbase given he is a legendary figure at rivals Juventus, having excelled as both a player and a manager in Turin.

Conte will have some big decisions to make, most notably what he will do with controversial forward Mauro Icardi after he was stripped of the Inter captaincy earlier this year. However, the Italian's pedigree in Serie A should ensure he is given total authority at a club that's long been in need of leadership.

Inter Milan have confirmed manager Luciano Spalletti has left his role as manager after two seasons with the club. 

The Nerazzurri finished fourth in Serie A and qualified for next season's UEFA Champions League on the last day of the season, but Inter announced Spalletti's departure on Thursday:

FC Internazionale Milano can confirm that Luciano Spalletti is no longer Head Coach of the First Team.

The Club wishes to thank Spalletti for his work and the results achieved together.#FCIM

— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) May 30, 2019

The former AS Roma and Zenit St. Petersburg coach arrived at the San Siro in 2017 and is expected to be replaced by ex-Juventus and Italy boss Antonio Conte, per Ben Gladwell of ESPN FC.

Spalletti, 60, has left Inter despite guiding the club to successive top-four finishes in Serie A for the first time since 2010-11.

Journalist Siavoush Fallahi paid tribute to the Italian after his exit was confirmed:

Two years. Two champions league spots. Handled all kinds of difficulties. All my respect to Luciano Spalletti and his team. You honored the shirt https://t.co/WjlFysgJoF

— Siavoush Fallahi (@SiavoushF) May 30, 2019

Inter won 46 of their 90 matches under Spalletti and lost 20 times with him as coach. Per Transfermarkt, the 1.80 points per match he earned is worse than his record at Zenit or in either of his stints with Roma.

The Nerazurri also failed to progress past the UEFA Champions League group stage, which is sure to have disappointed the club's hierarchy. They posted an almost identical record as Group B runners-up and eventual finalists Tottenham Hotspur but missed out on away goals while Barcelona finished top.

Simon Stone of BBC Sport wrote earlier in May that Conte was expected to make his managerial return in Serie A, having yet to return to the sport since he left Chelsea's helm in the summer of 2018.

Sky Sport Italia's Fabrizio Romano reported his Inter appointment was expected prior to Saturday's UEFA Champions League final: 

Antonio Conte will sign his contract as new Inter manager on next week and will be at Wanda Metropolitano for the UCL final with Marotta and Ausilio. ✍🏻🔜 #Inter

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2019

Spalletti holds a reputation as one of Italy's best active managers, one who clinched back-to-back Coppa Italia titles with Roma in 2007 and 2008,  as well as winning the Russian Premier League on two occasions.