PRATO – Inter have set out on a new path. One that stretches from Milan to Prato and has one goal in mind: youth. FC Internazionale and AC Prato outlined the details of their technical agreement at a media conference today. The three-year partnership, which involves the clubs' first teams as well as their youth academies, offers Inter the opportuity to set up a Nerazzurri outpost in Tuscany.
Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio and youth academy head Roberto Samaden were joined by AC Prato chief executive Paolo Toccafondi, Lega Pro president Mario Macalli, Tennis Club Prato president Francesco D'ambrosi and the mayor of Prato, Matteo Biffoni.
Piero Ausilio began the proceedings: "I'd like to start by saying this: I was looking through the press pack and noticed the names of people like Balotelli, Destro, Bonucci, Caldarola, Santon, Obi and Biabiany. I mention these names because they are all players who came through our academy and because they are exceptions - lads who went straight into Serie A or Serie B teams. There are, however, many others who need to take a different path, and we believe that we've found that path right here, in Prato.
"Players coming out of youth football aren't used to the sort of pressures you find elsewhere, when real points are at stake. There are some who need a bit more time before they're ready for top flight football and now we have the opportunity to help those players continue their development with coach Esposito, whom we know very well. In the past we've lost a few players along the way and we'd like to make sure that doesn't happen again.
"So why Prato? For a start, they were the only club that didn't ask us for money but instead looked at the project, and that's something we appreciated right from the off. We've shared our views on technical matters and on how to develop these players. Obviously there will be incentives and other possibilities but the main advantage for them is that they'll have players who have come through Inter's youth ranks.
"I think that by exchanging our ideas and and our experiences everyone will benefit. Prato will continue to be autonomous: we're not coming here to tell them what to do. Our aim is simply to improve these youngsters."
More to follow
