MILAN - F.C. Internazionale and Prato Calcio are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement for a technical collaboration that regards both the first team and the youth sector. The partnership, which is to run for three years, provides Inter with the possibility to create a technical outpost in the third largest city in Central Italy.
In this way Inter will have a base outside of their region that will allow the club to create a well-defined path for the players from the youth academy; a wealth of talent from which both teams can mutually benefit. The Tuscan club, which boasts one of the most impressive youth sectors in the country, has furnished more than 20 players to the ranks of the Serie A and Serie B in recent years.
Looking after the technical aspects will be Vincenzo Esposito, currently the head coach at Prato and formerly in charge of Inter’s Primavera team, with which he won both a Scudetto and the Viareggio Tournament.
This union makes Inter and Prato pioneers in Italy and joins two clubs together in a historic agreement. On the subject of history, both clubs happen to share the same year of foundation: 1908. For the first time in Italy we will witness a well-organised facility following youngsters in the final stages of their development, with the opportunity for those young footballers to play together at a healthy club with a great tradition.
A press conference is scheduled for 26 June in Prato that will further explain the details. Taking part will be Piero Ausilio and Roberto Samaden, Inter’s sporting director and academy director respectively. Also due to participate are Paolo Toccafondi, CEO of Prato Calcio, and sport authorities such as Mario Macalli, Archimede Pitrolo and Francesco Ghirelli.
Then on 20 July in Pinzolo, Inter’s second match of the new season will be a friendly between the two sides. Prato will begin training on 14 July at the Centro Sportivo Giacinto Facchetti in preparation for the game.
