Zenga: 'I'd drop it all for Inter'

Dubai: Walter Zenga has admitted to the Italian press that he would ditch Dubai's Al Nasr in a heartbeat if Inter Milan were to come calling.

The Nerazzurri are currently relying on the services of youth team coach Andrea Stramaccioni as manager following Claudio Ranieri's dismissal last month, but it is believed owner and president Massimo Moratti will look for a more permanent replacement to start next season.

Former shot-stopper Zenga, now 51, spent 12 years at Inter as a player and is among the fans' favourites to return, having already been linked with the post this time last season, before Gian Piero Gasperini took charge.

Zenga told La Gazzetta Dello Sport this week: "It's not hard to understand. If Inter were to call, I am free to leave. It's no secret that it is my dream to be coach of Inter and complete the circle, returning to my club to train the squad - the Nerazzurri are always in my heart.

"I chose the hardest route to get here, going around the world without help, learning to make do and adapt to the players I found. But now I can do everything and I have special preparation for the dead-ball, my ball [the chance to manage Inter]."

Zenga, whose Al Nasr are currently fourth in the Etisalat Pro League but aiming for second this season, added: "Here at Al Nasr I'm working well, I took the team out of the relegation zone and finished third last season, taking them into Asia [AFC Champions League] for the first time. I'm debating the renewal of my contract. But I long for a more professional set-up.

"I mean not only the players but also the masseur and the kitman must get used to playing every three days. I am optimistic, there is the mutual desire to continue. But the Inter clause will be repeated as in all my contracts."

As a coach, the former three-time World Goalkeeper of the Year (1989, 1990, 1991) has won the Romanian league with Steaua Bucharest (2004) and the Serbian league and cup double with Red Star Belgrade (2006).

For the Inter job, he's reportedly in competition with Fabio Capello and Andrea Villas Boas, while Al Ahli's Quique Sanchez Flores has also had a mention.

Inter are currently eighth in the Serie A standings with nine games remaining and have won just one of their last ten league games.