Inter Milan Linked with Tottenham Star Amidst Goalkeeper Speculation
Inter Milan has reportedly been advised to consider Tottenham Hotspur's in-form goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, as a potential successor to their current number one, Yann Sommer. The suggestion comes from Italian football icon Walter Zenga, a legendary figure for the Nerazzurri, who believes Vicario should be a 'front row' candidate should the club decide to move on from the Swiss international in the summer transfer window.
Zenga Defends Sommer, But Eyes Future Replacements
Despite the speculation surrounding Sommer's future, with his contract set to expire in the summer and reports suggesting manager Cristian Chivu has considered dropping him due to a dip in form, Zenga has publicly defended the veteran goalkeeper. "First of all, a premise: if we focus on a goalkeeper's mistakes, we'll never get over them. Yann is a high-performance player, a guarantee. He has experience and quality to spare," Zenga stated in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. He further lauded Sommer's composure, highlighting his "self-control" as a key attribute that prevents external pressures from affecting his performance.
However, with Sommer's long-term future at the San Siro uncertain, the conversation inevitably turns to potential replacements. Zenga, who made an impressive 473 appearances for Inter during his playing career, has put forward his preferred candidates from the Italian goalkeeping talent pool. He specifically named Tottenham's Vicario and Atalanta's Marco Carnesecchi as the primary options, with Elia Caprile also mentioned as a promising prospect.
Vicario's Premier League Journey and Inter's Goalkeeper Quandary
Guglielmo Vicario has become Tottenham's undisputed first-choice goalkeeper since his £17.2 million move from Empoli in 2023, following the departure of club legend Hugo Lloris. His initial impact in North London was significant, with strong performances that quickly endeared him to the Spurs faithful. However, the transition to the Premier League has not been without its challenges. Reports have highlighted instances of questionable distribution and a perceived lack of physicality, which have drawn scrutiny. Furthermore, a broken ankle bone last season saw him sidelined for three months, disrupting his rhythm and impact.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, are in a period of transition regarding their goalkeeping situation. Yann Sommer, who was instrumental in Inter's run to the Champions League final last term, has experienced some inconsistent moments this season. While his experience and leadership are invaluable, the club is undoubtedly planning for the future. The Serie A is renowned for producing top-tier goalkeepers, and the Italian national team consistently boasts elite options. Zenga's endorsement of Vicario, a goalkeeper currently plying his trade in the highly competitive Premier League, signals a strong belief in his capabilities to succeed at the highest level in Italy.
Other Italian Goalkeeping Prospects on Zenga's Radar
Beyond Vicario, Walter Zenga also identified Marco Carnesecchi as a prime candidate for Inter Milan. Carnesecchi has established himself as the undisputed number one at Atalanta over the past three seasons, demonstrating consistent quality and potential. His performances in Serie A have not gone unnoticed, and he is considered one of Italy's most promising young goalkeepers.
The third name mentioned, Elia Caprile, represents a slightly more wildcard option but one with significant upside. Caprile had a brief, albeit unappearanced, spell at Leeds United before embarking on a journey through Italian football. He has since played for Bari, Napoli, Empoli, and is currently making waves at Cagliari. His career trajectory suggests a player who is rapidly developing and gaining valuable senior experience.
The fact that all three goalkeepers – Vicario, Carnesecchi, and Caprile – are reportedly in contention for a place in the Italian national squad for their upcoming World Cup qualification play-off against Northern Ireland on March 26th, further underscores their current standing in Italian football. This suggests that any move for one of them would be for a player already recognized at the international level or on the cusp of it.
Strategic Considerations for Inter Milan
The potential pursuit of Guglielmo Vicario by Inter Milan would represent a significant transfer move, bringing a Premier League-proven goalkeeper back to Serie A. While his time at Tottenham has seen some ups and downs, his age and experience at a top-flight club make him an attractive proposition. Inter's decision will likely hinge on their long-term strategy, financial capabilities, and the ultimate decision regarding Yann Sommer's contract and future. Regardless, the insights from a figure as esteemed as Walter Zenga provide a compelling narrative for the ongoing goalkeeping discussions at the San Siro.
