Inter Milan’s Looming Executive Overhaul: Behind-the-Scenes Rules and Six Years of Remarkable Service

As anticipation builds for the Derby d’Italia, reports from Tuttosport have shifted some of the focus to Inter Milan’s internal affairs, highlighting potential changes at the club’s highest executive levels. Allegations of a forthcoming “executive overhaul” at Inter have stirred debate among fans, adding another storyline to the already intense atmosphere surrounding the match. According to recent reports, Inter is indeed planning to replace three key members of their executive team. These moves, however, carry broader implications, from accountability issues to professional growth and workplace dynamics, signaling the potential for a new era within Inter’s upper management.

High-Level Speculation and the Rumor of Alessandro Calvo

Reports recently surfaced that Inter is eyeing Alessandro Calvo, a former collaborator with Marotta during their time at Torino and later a financial executive at Barcelona, as a possible candidate for the role of financial CEO. However, this speculation was quickly refuted by Calvo’s close associates, who dismissed it as baseless, adding that Calvo is currently engaged in his own entrepreneurial venture, Paraguay Pathways, which manages various tax, judicial, and investment services in Paraguay. Given his involvement as a major shareholder and the reported success of his company, the chances of him joining Inter in a salaried role seem remote.

This “Calvo story” may have been just a prelude to a more significant shift within Inter’s executive ranks. The three targeted positions include Alessandro Antonello, the current financial CEO, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Luca Danovaro, and Chief Communication Officer (CCO) Matteo Pedinotti.

Reasons for Change: Accountability and Performance Evaluation

The proposed changes primarily stem from three distinct factors. First and foremost, there’s the issue of accountability. Both Antonello and Danovaro have been involved in Inter’s attempts to secure a new stadium, a project that has seen little progress despite extensive efforts over the years. Given that this long-standing issue remains unresolved, the responsibility for this stagnation may rest squarely with these executives.

For Pedinotti, the story is slightly different. Recently entangled in a scandal involving the “Curva Nord” incident, Pedinotti has faced scrutiny from Oak Tree Capital, Inter’s primary investment backer. Concerned that the incident might tarnish the club’s image and potentially diminish its resale value, Oak Tree Capital has been reportedly advocating for a fresh start, aiming to restore the club’s brand strength and desirability to prospective buyers. With Oak Tree Capital’s clear stance on a short-term ownership, the firm’s priority lies in preserving, if not enhancing, Inter’s market value.

Professional Development: Antonello’s Path to Rome

Another reason behind Antonello’s expected departure appears to be his professional development. Although Antonello holds the title of CEO at Inter, his influence within the organization has remained secondary to Marotta. Reports from Rome-based media indicate that Antonello is exploring a position at Roma, where he would likely wield greater authority and enjoy improved compensation. If he indeed transitions to Roma, it would represent a step up in his career, enabling him to advance into a more autonomous role, perhaps one that better aligns with his ambitions and professional expertise.

The Unwritten Rules of Professional Transitions

The third factor driving these impending changes is a widely acknowledged, albeit unspoken, aspect of professional life—workplace allegiance. Each leader inevitably assembles their own loyal team, and Steven Zhang, Inter’s current chairman, had cultivated a strong working relationship with these three executives during his tenure. Pedinotti, in particular, was instrumental in building bridges between Inter and the Chinese media, serving as an invaluable intermediary for journalists, sports commentators, and fan influencers. Yet, as ownership transitions and organizational objectives shift, the new leadership often seeks to build its own network and introduce trusted collaborators. Oak Tree Capital’s gradual reshuffling of Zhang’s confidants is a reflection of this norm, as the firm prioritizes its strategic goals and introduces a fresh vision to Inter’s executive leadership.

A Look Back: Matteo Pedinotti’s Six Years of Exceptional Contribution to Inter

While Pedinotti may be poised to exit Inter, his contributions during the past six years warrant recognition. Pedinotti, a graduate of the prestigious Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, holds degrees in journalism and law. Early in his career, he worked with high-profile entities such as Telecom Italia and Sky Italia, amassing a valuable network within Italy’s media landscape. Even Barbara Berlusconi enlisted him as an advisor, further enhancing his industry connections. Later, Pedinotti joined Nike, where he worked for a decade overseeing digital operations in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, as well as the company’s social media services. His decade at Nike honed his skills in digital marketing, positioning him as an ideal choice to modernize Inter’s online presence.

In October 2018, Steven Zhang recognized Pedinotti’s potential and appointed him to lead Inter’s media office, promoting him to CCO by May 2019. One of Zhang’s key objectives was to help Inter “catch up” in terms of digital engagement, an area where the club had lagged significantly. Under Tohir, Inter had adopted a cost-saving strategy that involved dismantling much of its digital and social media team, leaving the club without a coherent online presence at a critical juncture for fan engagement. Consequently, Inter missed the chance to establish itself early on social platforms, falling behind rivals like AC Milan and Juventus.

At the time of Pedinotti’s appointment, Inter’s social media presence was severely underdeveloped, boasting only nine official accounts with just 3,800 updates per season. By last September, the club had expanded to 25 social media channels and was producing over 60,000 pieces of content annually. Under Pedinotti’s leadership, Inter’s combined social media following rose from a few million to nearly 80 million as of this year. Notably, Inter’s social media growth rate reached 165% last year, marking the lowest rate in six years—a testament to the meteoric expansion under his guidance, with some years peaking at 370% growth. Video engagement alone surged by an impressive 593% annually on average over the past six years. On emerging platforms like TikTok, Inter is now a leader not only in Serie A but also among European clubs.

This digital revival has translated into tangible benefits, such as increased merchandise sales. For instance, Inter’s distinctive “Two-Star” jersey has experienced a significant surge in popularity, generating valuable revenue for the club. Pedinotti’s contributions have laid a solid foundation for Inter’s social media operations, positioning the club to capitalize on digital engagement for years to come. While he may be stepping down, his efforts to restore Inter’s digital relevance undoubtedly merit recognition.

As Inter approaches its impending executive changes, fans and industry observers alike are keenly watching to see how these adjustments will impact the club’s structure and strategy. Although this shift aligns with the unwritten rules of organizational change, the legacy of these executives, especially Pedinotti, leaves an indelible mark on Inter’s journey into the digital age.