Former Lionel Messi teammate reportedly in contention to replace Inzaghi at Inter ahead of Club World Cup
Inter Milan have suffered a significant setback ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, as head coach Simone Inzaghi has departed the club following their defeat in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final. In search of a replacement, the Italian side is reportedly targeting a former Lionel Messi teammate among its top candidates.
With a lucrative offer from Al Hilal on the table, Inzaghi went into the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain already facing questions about his future. Just days after the loss, Inter officially announced his departure on Tuesday. Inzaghi is now expected to sign a three-year deal in Saudi Arabia, reportedly earning €26 million net per season.
With the head coach position now vacant, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Inter are considering Cesc Fabregas as one of the primary options to succeed Inzaghi. However, Olympique Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi is also in strong contention, with both names reportedly at the top of Inter’s shortlist.
Fabregas, a former teammate of Messi at FC Barcelona, first played alongside him in La Masia and later at the senior level between 2011 and 2014. The two have maintained a close friendship, attending each other’s weddings and spending time together during family vacations.
Talks between Inter and the coaching candidates—including Fabregas, currently at Como—are expected to take place this week. With both Inter Milan and Inter Miami set to compete in the Club World Cup, a potential matchup between Messi and Fabregas could occur in the semifinal or final. While unlikely, the scenario sets the stage for an emotional reunion—this time with Messi on the field and Fabregas on the sideline.
Fabregas: The architect of Como’s rise
Since being relegated from Serie A in 2003, Como endured three more relegations and two bankruptcies—the most recent in 2016—which sent the club down to Italy’s fourth tier, Serie D. In 2019, Indonesian conglomerate Djarum took control of the club, and in 2022, Cesc Fabregas and Thierry Henry joined as minority shareholders.
Fàbregas initially signed on as a player and retired in 2023. He began coaching the U-19 squad but soon stepped in as interim head coach, leading Como to promotion back to Serie A. Though he was seen as a perfect fit for the permanent role, he lacked a UEFA Pro License and was replaced by Osian Roberts on paper.
After earning his Pro License in July 2024, Fàbregas signed a four-year deal to officially lead Como into their first Serie A campaign in 21 years. He exceeded expectations, guiding the club to a 10th-place finish, well clear of relegation. His impressive debut season has now caught the attention of Inter Milan, putting the 37-year-old coach at a career crossroads as he weighs a move to the next level.