MORATTI CONFIRMS TARDELLI AS INTER COACH

INTER PRESIDENT Massimo Moratti has revealed that Marco Tardelli will coach the Neroazzurri next season.

Moratti moved to end speculation as to who would be in charge next season, but the short-term nature of the deal will lead to more talk as to who will take over long-term.

In a press conference, Moratti said: "I have confirmed Tardelli as Internazionale coach for season 2001 - 2002.  His deal will end in summer 2002."

Moratti is also building the team for next season and has already targeted Perugia's duo Mirco Pieri and Davide Baiocco.

Pieri, 23, is one of the strongest Italian left backs, who the national coach, Giovanni Trapattoni admires.

Baiocco, 26, is a midfielder that could be useful for Tardelli next season.
 
Moratti has already agreed a deal with Perugia president Luciano Gaucci - Inter is set to pay a fee of around £ 5 million for Baiocco, with the player set to sign his new deal next month.
 
Inter have already secured the services of Perugian central defender Marco Materazzi.

However, Gaucci does not want to sell all his best players to the Neroazzurri and would like to see Pieri at the Renato Curi Stadium next season.

Gaucci said: We cannot sell all our best men, we need to keep some of them to play next season."

Gaucci revealed that Roma are chasing right back Marco Di Loreto and the two clubs are close to an agreement for the 26-year-old defender.

Meanwhile, former Inter coach Marcello Lippi has revealed that he is set to sign a deal with a new team.

"Some foreign clubs are chasing me, but I would like to work in Italy," said Lippi, who went onto say his ideal role would be coaching a club that will play in the Champions League next season.