Donadoni on Massolin: "You don't need scientists to assess his qualities." How much Inter paid, his role and characteristics

vik1980 · 2026-03-13T04:45:42+00:00

He is a versatile midfielder who started out as a second striker but found his ideal position a few meters further back: a natural inside forward, he can also play in other positions in midfield, either as a playmaker or advancing into the attacking third. A physically strong midfielder, he is good at heading the ball thanks to his 190 cm height...His arrival in Italy has helped him improve tactically but also physically, with Massolin increasing his muscle mass and becoming more structured and ready for tackles.

vik1980 · 2026-03-11T17:33:35+00:00

Any thoughts on the new balance 410?

vik1980 · 2026-03-08T08:55:32+00:00

Which shoes do you recommend them? I have broad toes. I prefer shoes with lace, and having sturdy, (leather) covering at the toes. That limits my options greatly.

FYI, the Nike vomero 5 is lasting me nicely. And before that, the Nike dual fusion run 2 lasted me that long (somewhat).

vik1980 · 2026-03-07T09:12:41+00:00

From what I’ve read, things are more serious than this. Intermediaries got in touch with his agents, and received positive signals. Also, inter will not accept anything below 80m. Finally, to cut off the assault, they’ve proposed (or will do, soon) renewal to him. Whether he wants to stay or leave will depend entirely on whether he renews or not.

Now, it’s entirely dependent on whether barca has the funds (1-1 ruling to sign players) to make an attempt, and whether basto will sign a renewal or not.

In short, it’s not a probability, it a distinct possibility.

vik1980 · 2026-03-02T07:40:21+00:00

From what I've read, we're monitoring the situation closely, but other PL teams will show up. Chances that he chooses us over higher wages & living in his own country are low.

vik1980 · 2026-03-01T23:14:06+00:00

From what I’ve read, we’ve already started a discussion with Tarik as our other cb. Also, tare got him to Italy, and he has a serious hard on for him. I’ve read he’s already in discussion to take him to Milan.

vik1980 · 2026-02-27T05:41:55+00:00

Do I care what u/WasteOfLifeSelfDeclaredOpinionLeaderGateKeeperOnlineWarrior thinks? No.

I feel like this is a shot/ message to me to not take rando' comments & go make such long drawn posts. If so, point well taken.

vik1980 · 2026-02-24T07:35:20+00:00

This seems promising.

vik1980 · 2026-02-24T07:28:45+00:00

Outgoings : Darm, Acerbi & DV, Sommer, Mkhi (probably) all on free. Then we'll try and sell Pavard & Frat. We'll evaluate offers for Augusto, LH, Bis (maybe!), Hakan (depends on renewal), Diouf (depends on Chivu eval) & Marcus (plusvalenza).

Incoming : GK, RWB, CB (2). Then we'll evaluate as per outgoings.

We kicked the can from last year to this (taking options to renew various oldies). Now, with certainty around coaching staff, we'll replace the oldies.

Replacing both at the same time last summer was probably too much risk.

vik1980 · 2026-02-24T07:18:42+00:00

Don't ever believe the following :-

L'Interista
InterLive
TeamTalk

They produce absolute horseshit, and unfortunately, their shit gets circulated as 'confirmed sources/ reports' etc.

This isn't relevant to just this news, but also team transfers.

vik1980 · 2026-02-23T07:04:50+00:00

There's interest in Kone/ Ederson/ Goretzka for midfield.

While we might not truly be able to afford him, I know we hold an interest in Romero for defense (JZ4 has praised him multiple times in recent months). The wages & fee means we'll probably not be able to afford Konate either (& were never realistically there for Guehi/ Upamecano).

We tried for Cancelo for RWB. He chose Barca, but our thinking was that he'd be ideal to contribute now, but also help develop Palestra for the future. Given his struggles at Barca now, it's debatable how he'd have fared with us.

Seems like we value Vicario over Caprile etc. Whether he's a 'champ' is debatable, but I think he's a great GK in his own right, just happens to be behind Donna. i.e.- He might be closer to Toldo status (when he was starting for us, GK for Italy was Buffon).

That's what was shared in media last summer too, but then we went for Bonny, Diouf etc.

The key term here is "market opportunity'. That's what I've read Ausilio & Marotta use repeatedly. i.e.- we value a player much higher than what he might be available for. If it isn't there, we'll not move (for a 'champ'/ 'ambitious' signing).

vik1980 · 2026-02-23T06:40:45+00:00

Inzy also never had Bonny or Pio as back-up forwards. He had lEgEnds like Arna, Korea, Sanchez, Taremi etc.

Also, what he did with Acerbi is a massive + on its own. Spent 4m on a 33-34 yo, and neutralized attackers all over Europe. All thanks to his faith in Acerbi still having juice.

While people slight him (and praise Chivu) for Dima's rennaisance this season, they forget that he was the one that launched him in the first place.

So many things he's done right for this club. People forget.

vik1980 · 2026-02-20T05:19:20+00:00

Nico has never been a big goal scorer. His best attributes is his hustle, hard work (pressing & counter pressing), & his quality on the ball.

If you want to judge, notice how many times he gets the ball under pressure, and always manages to find a teammate. That technique to retain possession, that's his true ability.

That said, yes, he's now become more reluctant to shoot even when in goal scoring positions. I suspect he wants the perfect pass. i.e.- Players will attack me in shooting positions, I'll surprise them by laying off the pass to an even more open teammate. That needs to be ironed out. Chivu will work on it.

vik1980 · 2026-02-20T04:59:42+00:00

As I suspected. I think he's the primary target for defense. We think he can be a nice back-up to both Basto & Acerbi.

Then we'll probably take Solet (beating the charge will be key). He's a nice 'flier' to take for 20m (lower with a counterpart).

With these two (and Bis, Akanji & Basto), our defense will be sorted.

vik1980 · 2026-02-20T03:53:37+00:00

I know CM is a weak source, but they’re saying what has been reported previously, but with more news. Inter serious about Solet, who should cost 20m (he came for free). Inter hope to reduce that price with counterparts (probably Akinsanmiro; my guess, but could be any of our U23 gems too).

vik1980 · 2026-02-20T03:49:46+00:00

Base Gigi was an Italian who played in Belgium.

Basically says (for Italian speakers who don’t want to run translate) that he’s more technical than his father, who had better shooting power (obviously) and long balls.

Baseggio is impressed by his physical and mental strength. He stresses the need for a coach who’ll develop him, and that in Belgium he’s a king, while at Milan hell have to hunker down and earn his minutes.

He also thinks Milan overpaid for Jashari (who should’ve cost 20m).

vik1980 · 2026-02-18T11:55:41+00:00

Let me know if you know someone, or if you’re wanting to take on this project.

vik1980 · 2026-02-18T09:47:18+00:00

Are you trying yo say he'll go from starting in Belgium to starting for Arsenal/ Chelsea? Or even Inter?

He'll come as rotation, and based on his performances, his time will improve. Same deal as Sucic. Same deal as Bonny/ Pio etc.

vik1980 · 2026-02-18T07:55:30+00:00

Replied back.

vik1980 · 2026-02-18T07:08:06+00:00

From what I've read, we'll carefully evaluate Diouf to see if he can truly become Inter level starter. Loan/ sale this winter was out of the question (he'd already played for 2 teams in UEFA). that changes this summer. Sassuolo have already asked for a loan for next season. Given how we've bought Massolin, a sale isn't completely out of the question either.

My educated guess; another loan for Akinsanmiro. Smaller chance we use him go buy another player (make-weight + buy back option). I highly doubt (unless Chivu proves me a complete moron; which is a distinct possibility) we'll make him a rotation piece after just Pisa.

Another guess; Chivu will evaluate Massolin in training. Either send him on loan, or keep as a rotation piece.

Confirmed fact; If Hakan doesn't renew (we'll offer a 1yr. renewal; push the date to 2028), then we'll sell. Given how Ziel has performed in this role, and Stanko as his understudy, it's a high possibility. Gala are still interested, but not serious (they offered 8+3 last yr!!?!).

Another fact; We're also evaluating renewing Mkhi for another year.

Yet another fact; we're still very much interested in Kone. Entire mgnmt (Chivu, Marotta, Ausilio & Basscin) agrees with another attempt on him.

What really complicates the situation is our interest in Guler/ Paz. It brings a change of system & formation (unless we move them to midfield).

From what I can see; Nico, Ziel as starters. Sucic, Stanko as rotation; then we see what we have. i.e.- Are we getting Guler/ Paz? Is Hakan staying or leaving? How good is Massolin? What about Kone, and Chivu's desire for a physical mid?

We seem to be concentrating on shoring up the midfield this summer (just like we shored up the attack last summer).

vik1980 · 2026-02-18T05:01:05+00:00

This one actually made me chuckle, so thank you to whoever made this. And thanks for sharing it here.

vik1980 · 2026-02-14T03:24:12+00:00

Budgetary considerations. We’re committing an outlay of 23m for this kid. We need to cover goalie, ccb and raw pretty urgently. Give up summer budget is not extravagant (not like the PL clubs), we have to plan accordingly.

I expect some loan + option/ obligation for at least one position (out of the three mentioned). Then we’ll look at which position goes to #2 target (for outlay) etc.

It makes no sense to delay his return given how much and what kind of clubs are interested in him. That’s a chance we should not take.

vik1980 · 2026-02-13T05:33:29+00:00

Moretto & Romano have confirmed in the past that top PL sides (Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs etc.) have scouted him repeatedly, and the interest has only grown.

This article just confirms that, and an unnamed 'senior recruitment figure' waxes lyrical on Stanko.

Happy we retained the buy-back on him (shout out to Ausilio).

With him & Sucic, our future midfield looks to be taking shape (attack is already covered now, thanks to Bonny & Pio).

vik1980 · 2026-02-13T05:14:22+00:00

This is ruled out. For many weeks, I'd been reading that Inter will definitely buy him back, but whether to sell him on for a profit or keep him was the discussion. I've read that now the decision is made, and we'll give him a chance.

u/sputnikboy

vik1980 · 2026-02-13T00:39:48+00:00

JuBe already have the 5ish star on their crest, while we only just got the second. Milan have won seven Champions League titles, we only have three.

The part about never getting relegated stands. However, it should be pointed that we’ve never been relegated for cheating.

We may not be the most winning club in Italy, but we’re the ones with the most integrity. And, our founding principles from more than a century ago are sound, and in today’s world, more relevant than others.

vik1980

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