Inter Milan plan historic logo and branding change on anniversary amid cash crisis over unpaid wages

Inter Milan will undergo a branding change, changing their logo under the shortened name of Inter Milano. 

The move, designed to reflect a closer connection with the city and give the club a clearer and more modern global identity, is planned for March 9 – exactly 113 years after the club came into existence, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

The new crest comprising the letters ‘I M’ will be unveiled – coming after Juventus opted to change their badge in 2017 – with Romelu Lukaku among those to have modelled the new look. 

The original logo was created by the club’s founder in 1908, illustrator Giorgio Muggiani.  

The aim is to go for a more minimalistic, stylish design in keeping with their long-time rivals. 

The change has been a while in the making and is set to go ahead despite monetary pressures facing the club due to the Covid-19 pandemic as the Italian giants look to take on new investors – an exercise that could see the new unveiling of the new logo delayed – with British private equity firm BC Partners among those being considered amid unrest as wage payments to players have not been met on several occasions. 

The Evergrande Group, who are China’s second-largest property developer, could potentially sponsor Inter to the tune of €30million (£27m) per year, according to Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset, significantly more than what Pirelli are paying at the moment (€11m, £10m).

Owner Steven Zhang is looking for outside investment as players’ wages remain outstanding

Inter are also set to change sponsor and will move into a new stadium in the coming years

In a period of great upheaval for Inter, Evergrande are also on pole to replace Pirelli as the team’s main sponsor, while the San Siro is set to be demolished and replaced by a brand new stadium on the site, although no firm date has been put forward for when ‘San Siro II’ will be ready. 

The Evergrande Group, who are China’s second-largest property developer, could potentially sponsor Inter to the tune of €30million (£27m) per year, according to Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset, significantly more than what Pirelli are paying at the moment (€11m, £10m). 

On the pitch, Antonio Conte’s men are in contention to win their first Serie A title for 11 years after a 2-0 win over Juventus saw them move level on points with ground-sharers AC, although Stefano Pioli’s side play on Monday night at Cagliari.  

Cristiano Ronaldo had an early effort correctly ruled out for offside before Arturo Vidal broke the deadlock against his former club with his first goal for Inter, heading home after 12 months from Nicolo Barella’s right-wing cross.  

Antonio Conte’s men are firmly in the hunt for the Serie A title after defeating Juventus 2-0 

Inter now face league leaders AC Milan for a place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals next Tuesday

Barella then doubled the hosts’ advantage on 52 minutes, blasting home after a phenomenal defence-splitting pass from the sliding Alessandro Bastoni. 

Juventus are now languishing in fifth – seven points behind Pioli’s side – and Andrea Pirlo hit out at his players’ attitude as a four-match winning streak in all competitions came to an end. 

Inter now their arch-rivals next play Udinese on Saturday before facing AC next Tuesday in the Coppa Italia for a place in the semi-finals.