Inter confirm name will not change during upcoming club rebrand

Change is in the offing at Inter but contrary to initial reports in Italy, they won't be rebranding as Inter Milano.

The Italian giants have colloquially been known as Inter Milan for as long as anybody can remember, although factually that name is not correct. However, in a bid to modernise the club, the Milan giants are set to undergo a significant brand makeover.

‘Football Club Internazionale Milano’ is I Nerazzurri's actual name and they have been called that since forming in 1908, with ‘Internazionale’, meaning international, a particular nod to the wish of the club’s founders to accept players from anywhere in the world.

Gazzetta dello Sport had reported that as part of Inter's plan to switch things up, that name would be consigned to the ‘attic’ in favour of a new name and badge that would focus specifically on the letters I and M; with the intent to better mark the bond between the club and the city, which was also a feature of the current 2020/21 home and away kit launched over the summer.

But in an interview with Italian news agency ANSA, chief executive Alessandro Antonello confirmed the reported name change is not true, although other changes will be made.

“Inter will not change their name,” Antonello said. “The club have been working for over a year on a marketing project, based on the historical values ​​of Inter, which aims to bring together and involve the millions of fans and further strengthen the bond with the city of Milan.”

News of Inter's re-brand comes amid other major areas of upheaval, particularly around infrastructure. Inter and neighbours AC Milan are working together on building a new stadium to replace the iconic San Siro, while there could be a new corporate structure installed at the club.

Chinese property developer Evergrande has even been tipped to replace Pirelli as the club’s main sponsor – Pirelli has been synonymous with Inter shirts since 1995.

On the pitch, Inter - led by Antonio Conte - are determined to win a long overdue Serie A title after falling agonisingly short last season. They are level on points with leaders Milan, although they are second on the basis of head to head points after losing the Derby della Madonnina back in October.

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