It looked like a foregone conclusion when Italian directors at Inter declared that; “We are voting for him” as Stefano Pioli headed towards the bench to replace Frank de Boer. Now however, things are a little different; new owners Suning want a foreign coach and the man that is now a clear front-runner for the vacancy is former Villarreal boss Marcelino.
 

The 51-year-old has become the preferred choice for many reasons; the authoritative way that he operates in his decision making and the speed in which he identifies possible transfer targets pleases Suning so much that they were anxious to bring him to China. Now the courtship could lead to the nerazzurri with the power brokers secure that he is the right choice this time.  

After a hectic day of meetings in Milan yesterday, Suning representatives have also been anxious to listen to the choice of agent Kia Joorabchian. This has nothing to do with Marcelino as his preferred choice is former Chelsea and Dutch national team boss Gus Hiddink although it’s believed he has also made favourable noises supporting the choice of the Spaniard. So now it’s down to the final round of voting in Inter’s very own X Factor auditions with a decision expected on Sunday or in the early hours of Monday. In the meantime, Marcelino waits anxiously for news.

By Fabrizio Romano. Translated by Steve Mitchell