Former Inter goalkeeper Walter Zenga defends Yann Sommer, but admits he’d sign Guglielmo Vicario or Marco Carnesecchi next summer.
Zenga previewed tonight’s big Serie A game between Inter and Juventus in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
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The former Italy international replied to a question about Sommer, who has had highs and lows this season.
“If we start looking at any goalkeeper’s mistake, we’ll never end. Yann is a guarantee; he has experience and quality,” Zenga said.
Zenga: Vicario and Carnesecchi in ‘first row’ for Inter
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Sommer’s contract expires this coming June, and Inter seem reluctant to offer a new deal. Who would Zenga sign to replace him?
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“An Italian goalkeeper, Vicario and Carnesecchi in the first row, then Caprile,” the ex-goalkeeper replied.
Juventus have climbed the table under Luciano Spalletti. Is the Italian tactician the real difference maker at the Allianz Stadium?
“They have many, surely he’s one of them,” Zenga admitted.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Luciano Spalletti coach of Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 17, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“I faced him many times as a coach, and I’ve always been struck by his identity. His teams are always recognisable.”
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Inter are the Serie A leaders with a five-point lead over second-placed Milan; surely a scenario that Zenga didn’t expect last summer.
“If I were told at the beginning of the season that Inter would be in the top four at this point in the season, I would have settled for it,” he claimed.
“They are even the table leaders! Cristian was good at cancelling the 5-0 defeat in the [Champions League] Final, and a demanding season ended without trophies. He has offered a fluid and vertical football. I like it.”
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
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The Nerazzurri have been practically perfect against teams in the bottom half of the table, but have not beaten Juventus, Napoli or Milan in their last 14 Serie A meetings.
“I hear that Inter have not beaten direct rivals, but does he really need it? Chivu has not beaten Milan, Napoli or Juve. And so? He’s the leader, and I’m certain that the team thinks the same,” Zenga concluded.
“Then, of course, beating Juventus would be important.”
Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, February 14, 2026, page 31.
