Pastorello: Inzaghi-Al Hilal truth, Lukaku stronger, Krstovic stays | OneFootball

Federico Pastorello, founder of P&P Sport Management, speaks in an exclusive interview with Sportmediaset. From the major deals of the summer to the future of his most high-profile clients, touching on Simone Inzaghi’s role at Al Hilal and the prospects of the Italian national team.

Pastorello, the agent declares: “The truth about Inzaghi and Al Hilal. Lukaku will come back stronger, Krstovic will stay at Atalanta for a long time”

A clear and realistic assessment of modern football, balancing ambitions, strategies, and human values that remain at the core of the agent’s profession.

“A record-breaking season for P&P Sport Management”

“It was our twenty-ninth season and the best ever in terms of number of transfers, and the second-best for millions of euros moved,” Pastorello explains. “We approached €300 million in actual transfers, not counting bonuses. In total we completed 66 deals between January and the summer, plus around forty in women’s football, covering 20 different nationalities among clubs and players. It confirms steady growth and a global network.”

The agent, who won the 2021 Globe Soccer Award as Agent of the Year, also highlights the human side of his work: “This is a draining job that requires balance and passion. You work all year round, without breaks. But satisfaction comes when the results give meaning to the sacrifices.”

“Like a boutique hotel: quality, not quantity”

Pastorello has a clear idea of how a modern agency should operate: “We don’t want to have an excessive number of clients. We prefer to be selective, to choose the players we truly believe in, including those who need the right guidance to express their potential. Our goal is to combine expertise with a human relationship. I like to say we’re like a boutique hotel: we offer the service of a big chain, but with attention and respect for people.”

Radu, the greatest satisfaction

Among the many transfers handled by P&P, one in particular stood out: “Ionut Andrei Radu. When we signed him at the end of 2024, he was training with Inter’s Primavera. It’s hard to place a goalkeeper, but in January, due to a series of coincidences, the opportunity arose with Venezia. He gave everything, and even if the team wasn’t saved, he showed great professionalism. In the summer I took him to Celta Vigo, where he’s now playing in the Europa League and has rejoined the national team. It’s proof that serious work pays off.”

“Inzaghi–Al Hilal? I’ll tell you how it went”

The most talked-about move of the summer didn’t involve a player, but a coach: Simone Inzaghi. “It’s a complex move, not something you build in a few days. There was already a project in place, but the decision only came after the Champions League final. Simone told me clearly: ‘If I had won, I would never have left Inter.’ After the defeat he felt the need for a new challenge. Al Hilal is the most prestigious club in Asia, with a strong technical and structural project. Of course, the financial aspect matters, but Simone also wanted to test himself in a different international context. It was a considered and courageous choice.”

Lukaku: “He’s working to come back stronger than before”

Among the stars managed by Pastorello, Romelu Lukaku is one of the most followed names. The Belgian striker is sidelined with an injury, but his agent guarantees: “Romelu is an exemplary professional. He has extraordinary determination. He’s working to come back stronger than before. Injuries sometimes help you reset everything, even mentally. He’s motivated; he wants to make an impact again and drive the team forward. Conte will soon have a crucial extra asset.”

Meret, De Vrij and Acerbi: “All happy where they are”

On the future of Alex Meret, Pastorello clarifies: “Alex received many offers before renewing with Napoli, but he never truly thought about leaving. He chose to stay, even knowing an important second goalkeeper like Milinkovic-Savic would arrive. Conte was transparent from the start, and Meret accepted the challenge professionally.”

As for Acerbi and De Vrij, pillars of Inter’s defense: “They’re two extraordinary professionals, with the Nerazzurri shirt stitched to their skin. Stefan had the chance to leave in the summer, but chose to stay. Ace is now in the fans’ hearts. Renewals will be discussed in the spring, but if it were up to them, they’d gladly remain at Inter.”

Krstovic, “An investment for Atalanta’s future”

Pastorello also speaks about Nikola Krstovic, who moved from Lecce to Atalanta: “He’s a kid with an exceptional mentality. He chose Atalanta because he shares the club’s ambitions. There he can grow, win, and stay long-term. I believe Bergamo will be his home for many years.”

“Napoli slightly ahead of Milan and Inter”

On the first matchdays of Serie A, the agent has no doubts: “I saw Napoli a bit ahead of the others. In his second year, Conte can reap the rewards of his work. Milan and Inter remain strong, but the Azzurri seem more fine-tuned. Roma positively surprised me, while Juventus are going through a transitional phase. It will take time, but the new Bianconeri project has solid foundations.”

“Italy, trust Gattuso: he’ll provide what’s needed”

On the national team and the delicate moment of World Cup qualifying, Pastorello is clear: “Gattuso has enormous responsibility. We can’t afford a third consecutive World Cup without Italy. The team has its limits, but also quality. Rino will be able to transmit energy and compactness. I wish him the best.”

De Bruyne and Modric, two masters in Serie A

Finally, a comment on the two most prestigious signings of the summer: Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric. “Champions like these are more than welcome. I was talking to Terracciano and he told me: ‘Federico, you can’t imagine how good Modric is.’ He’s impressive for his naturalness and vision of the game. De Bruyne is also showcasing all his class. We must thank Milan and Napoli, because players of this level bring excitement and crowds back to the stadiums. If I have to choose, I’ll say Modric: doing what he does at 40 is the mark of an absolute superstar.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.