Former Inter scout Adelio Moro reveals how the Nerazzurri signed Lautaro Martinez in 2017 ‘thanks to Juventus.’
The Argentinean joined the Stadio Meazza for €25m in the summer of 2018.
“It was January 2017 and the South American U-20 Championship was about to begin,” Moro told Tuttosport.
“Ausilio called all the scouts and said: ‘It’s too late to send someone to Ecuador, but I want guys to follow every game of the tournament. Juventus have already signed [Rodrigo] Bentancur and Rogerio, we need to find a young footballer who is ready too.’
“There were many interesting footballers,” Moro continued.
“Lyanco, who eventually joined Torino and Richarlison, who would move to Everton. When we watched Argentina, we immediately noticed this stocky attacker, with great technical skills: Lautaro Martinez.
“He was 19 and he was contracted with Racing Club, we knew Juventus and Atletico Madrid wanted to sign him too.
“We told Ausilio: ‘Lautaro has so much room for improvement, we must sign him immediately.’
“He flied out to Argentina immediately after the end of the tournament. He wanted to see Lautaro in person and speak to the player’s entourage.
“He beat the other clubs interested and eventually signed the player.”