Inter targets return to top

New Inter Milan head coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes his players can wrest the Serie A title back from city rivals AC Milan next season.

Gasperini, 53, took over in June following the departure of Leonardo, who had succeeded Rafael Benitez in December 2010 but left for a director’s role with Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain.

After four years coaching Genoa, Gasperini will be charged with returning the Scudetto to the Inter trophy room following the team’s failure to win the league title for the first time in four seasons.

“We must do anything we can to challenge … and I’m convinced we can be dangerous from the beginning,” Gasperini said.

“Last year, the team achieved good results anyway, even if, for some of the players, it wasn’t a good season, due to injuries or other physical problems.”

“If we can do something more this season, maybe we will achieve important objectives.”

Inter are reportedly confident of signing defender Jonathan Moreira from Santos, as Gasperini looks to mould a squad capable of challenging in Serie A and the Champions League.

“As for Jonathan, I think it’s upcoming, but it will be the club to make it official,” he said.

“You’ve got to have competition for places in a squad such as Inter’s.”

“When we’ve got everyone we need, we will have two players for each role, and flexible players too, able to cover other roles when needed.”

“There will definitely be competition, because we have a lot of games ahead and our players will have to play for their national teams too, so everyone will get enough games during the season.”