Bergomi: ‘Inter was the perfect choice for Palestra, could have been the next Hakimi’ | OneFootball

Inter legend Beppe Bergomi has weighed in on the news that Marco Palestra will be moving to Stamford Bridge instead of San Siro this summer, and the Nerazzurri legend has made it clear that he thinks staying in Serie A would have been a better choice for the 21-year-old: ‘Inter could have had another Hakimi’.

Palestra is all set to join Premier League side Chelsea in a deal that could be worth up to €60m, with wages reported to be worth €5m-€6m per season over the course of a five or six-year contract.

This comes as a blow to the Nerazzurri, who had set aside €50m for the signing of the recently-capped Italy international, who had been tipped as the ideal replacement for the Real Madrid-bound Denzel Dumfries.

Bergomi: ‘I still think Inter would have been the perfect team for Palestra’

Bergomi has shared his thoughts on the matter in an in-depth interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I followed the whole transfer saga involving Palestra,” Bergomi began. “I understand that it’s a source of pride for a young lad to go and play in such a competitive league, but I still think that Inter would have been the perfect team for him.”

Many supporters feel that Palestra’s head has been turned by a lucrative set of personal terms from Chelsea, more so than for sporting reasons given that Inter are the reigning league and cup champions in Italy, will be playing in the Champions League next term while Chelsea will sit out of the European competitions altogether after their 10th-place Premier League finish in 2025-26.

“I don’t want to put it all down to money,” says Bergomi. “At this age, for me, money should never be the deciding factor. A young player wants to measure themself in a new league, to try new challenges.

“But I do understand that he will earn twice as much at Chelsea than what he would have received here in Italy. But I don’t want to think that it’s just a financial issue for a 21-year-old.”

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Marco Palestra of Cagliari Calcio in action during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

For Bergomi, there is no doubt that Inter would have been the perfect fit for Palestra.

“Yes, it could have been ideal for him given how he plays, how he would fit into that role. Chivu’s team, which will still play in a 3-5-2, brings out the best qualities in its wing-backs. Inter could have had another Hakimi, a player with great speed and brilliant technique, after saying goodbye to Dumfries, who brought more physicality.

“So, for me, Inter would have been the perfect team for Palestra, both in terms of his enjoyment and for his development.”

There are concerns that Palestra’s development might stagnate in the Premier League, especially if he has to settle for a spot as an understudy to England international Reece James at right-back at Stamford Bridge.

“I hope that he will find a place in the starting XI and to find continuity, even if it won’t be easy to fit in or settle immediately in such a competitive league like the English one,” says Bergomi.

CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Marco Palestra of Cagliari in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Lecce at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 16, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

“For him, playing will be fundamental, and that is also the same for the national team. But these days especially with young Italians who go abroad, there is no longer that fear that they might miss out on playing for the Azzurri if they go abroad. Look at where Retegui, Calafiori, Tonali and Donnarumma play.”

So, what would Bergomi do with the money that Inter had set aside for the signing of Palestra if he were in charge?

“I’m convinced they’ll be able to find the right solution, but I will repeat that for me, Palestra undoubtedly would have been an ideal choice on the right.

“As for the rest, Inter have to bring in two players in defence, not just one. (Oumar) Solet is perfect for how Chivu plays. The same also goes for Jones in midfield.

“But, I wouldn’t panic. Remember that Inter made their best signing, Akanji, on the final day of the transfer window last summer.”