QS: Inter and Milan looking for new starting goalkeepers – the targets they share

Inter and AC Milan approach the derby in one week with similar uncertainty surrounding the goalkeeping position.

As Quotidiano Sportivo report, on one bank of the Naviglio is the candidate for FIFA’s 2025 best goalkeeper award, with six league titles under his belt, spanning Switzerland (Basel), Germany (Bayern Munich), and Italy (Inter) – Yann Sommer.

Opposite, the Milan captain, named the number one of the number ones at the last European Championship – Mike Maignan. Both are leaders, to say the least, but both have contracts that expire in June 2026.

In Maignan’s case, what weighs heavily is the lack of a renewal that was in the air months ago, but then remained in a drawer because of the club’s decision. In the summer, Chelsea’s offer was rejected by the management.

There’s no friction between the Rossoneri and the player, to whom Massimiliano Allegri also shortly afterward handed the captain’s armband. There’s also no talk of a future together. For now, then, the focus is on the pitch. However, the transfer market remains in the background.

Facing off for the final time?

The two goalkeepers will face each other next Sunday at San Siro, at 20:45 CET. Inter and Milan are also facing off on multiple fronts, already working to find their heirs. On their respective lists, another derby: targets in common.

Parma’s Zion Suzuki is the first name on the list, even if the 23-year-old Japanese player recently underwent surgery to stabilise the scaphoid and third finger of his left hand. It is an injury that will mean he’ll return to the pitch between February and March 2026.

Photos: Yu Chun Christopher + Alessandro Sabattini + Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Elia Caprile is another name both admire. The 24-year-old started at Chievo, then moved on to Leeds, then Pro Patria (Serie C) and Bari (Serie B), and is gradually and steadily establishing himself in the top flight.

He joined Empoli, Napoli and then Cagliari, who signed him permanently from Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club and signed him under a contract until June 2029. Caprile has also recently entered the national team picture, like Marco Carnesecchi before him.

Carnesecchi is ‘particularly popular with Milan’, but he is tied to Atalanta until 2028. It is also worth keeping an eye on Noah Atubolu of SC Freiburg, while an internal solution will also be considered: Lorenzo Torriani.