Inter are considering including young midfielder Matteo Cocchi in a deal to sign Atalanta winger Marco Palestra, according to reports in Italy. The potential move comes as Inter attempt to lower Atalanta’s €50 million valuation of Palestra, a breakout player in Serie A this past season.
Negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, with Inter hoping Cocchi’s transfer value will offset some of the cost of acquiring Palestra. The 20-year-old Cocchi has progressed through Inter’s youth system and is also attracting interest from Cagliari, who are monitoring his situation.
Inter have increasingly focused on developing young talent in recent years, with coach Simone Inzaghi integrating several academy players into the first team squad. Players like Mosconi, Kamatè, Lavelli, and Spinaccè have already made appearances for the Nerazzurri, while Topalovic provided an assist in the recent match against Bologna. Inzaghi, having come through the youth ranks himself, has shown a clear preference for nurturing young players.
The club is keen to retain control of its promising youngsters, and is reportedly implementing a “recompra” clause – similar to the one used in the re-signing of Filip Stankovic Jr. – to prevent losing valuable assets permanently. Other young players including Calligaris, Alexiou, Re Cecconi, Bovo, Zanchetta, Agbonifo, Cinquegrano, and Iddrissou are also considered to have a future with the club. The interest in Cocchi from Atalanta highlights the quality of Inter’s youth development program and its potential to produce players for the top level of Italian football. This strategy could provide Inter with both financial benefits and a steady stream of talent for years to come.
Palestra, 21, has impressed with his performances for Atalanta, establishing himself as a key player in their attack. A move to Inter would provide him with the opportunity to compete in the Champions League and further develop his game under Inzaghi’s guidance.
