Reports emerging on Wednesday indicate that Piero Ausilio, Inter Milan’s long-serving sporting director, is likely to depart the club. With his current contract set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season, an extension for the veteran executive appears increasingly unlikely.
Should Ausilio leave, the Nerazzurri are expected to look within their ranks for a replacement, with his trusted assistant, Dario Baccin, identified as the most probable internal candidate to take over the crucial position.
A Long-Standing Figure at Inter
Piero Ausilio has been an integral part of Inter Milan for nearly three decades, having first joined the club in 1997. He began his journey as a secretary within the youth setup, steadily working his way up through various roles before being appointed first-team sporting director in 2010. He has held this significant executive position for the past 16 years, overseeing numerous transfer windows and squad developments for the Italian giants.
His extensive tenure, spanning 29 years in total with the club, highlights his deep understanding of Inter’s operations and footballing philosophy. However, despite his long association, current reports suggest that an agreement for a new contract beyond the 2026-27 season is not in place, making his departure a strong possibility.
Internal Succession Plan
In anticipation of Ausilio’s potential exit, Inter Milan is reportedly preparing for an internal promotion. Dario Baccin, who currently serves as Ausilio’s assistant, is widely tipped to be elevated to the sporting director role. Baccin, 50, has been with Inter for almost a decade, having joined the club in 2017. During his time, he has served in various executive capacities, gaining valuable experience alongside Ausilio.
His close working relationship with the current sporting director and his familiarity with the club’s structure make him a logical choice for an internal transition. However, Baccin’s own contract is also due to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season. This means that if he is indeed promoted, Inter would need to renegotiate the terms of his deal to secure his long-term commitment to the role.
The potential change in leadership for such a vital executive position could mark a new chapter for Inter Milan as they plan for their future on and off the pitch.