[b]Simone Inzaghi[/b], the highly-rated manager of Inter Milan, has emerged as a potential successor to [b]Pep Guardiola[/b] at Manchester City, according to legendary Inter icon Sandro Mazzola. The suggestion has sparked interest and discussions among football fans and analysts alike, especially with Guardiola’s future at the Etihad Stadium increasingly under scrutiny following recent challenges.

Mazzola, a club legend who enjoyed a decorated 17-year playing career with Inter — winning four Serie A titles and two European Cups — made the comments during a recent interview with SempreInter. He praised Inzaghi for his tactical intelligence, leadership qualities, and impressive results since taking charge of the Nerazzurri.

“I both hope and think that Inzaghi will stay at Inter for many years to come. Then, if he continues to win trophies, who can send him away?” Mazzola stated, while expressing hope that the Italian tactician remains loyal to the Milan giants.

Although he dismissed growing speculation linking Inzaghi with a move to Arsenal, Mazzola didn't rule out the possibility of a future role for the coach in the Premier League. “More than at Arsenal, I see Inzaghi hypothetically as a replacement for Guardiola at Manchester City, but as I said, I hope he stays at Inter,” he added.

Inzaghi’s current contract with Inter runs until 2026, but the club’s management is reportedly eager to tie him down for a longer spell. Club president Beppe Marotta recently revealed that discussions are already ongoing to extend the coach’s deal until 2028, describing the renewal as a mere “formality.”

Mazzola also compared Inzaghi’s potential long-term reign at Inter to the legendary era of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. “It would be beautiful if it happened… but in Italian football, this is very difficult,” he said, noting the general lack of managerial continuity in Italy.

In his praise for the 47-year-old coach, Mazzola highlighted his ability to manage a dressing room effectively and his exceptional preparation before matches. “He’s outstanding at controlling and maintaining a dressing room and in preparing for games,” Mazzola emphasized.

Under Inzaghi’s leadership, Inter Milan remain the only Italian club still competing on all three fronts this season — the league, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League. Despite being held to a 2-2 draw by relegation-battling Parma over the weekend, they remain strong contenders in domestic and European competitions. Up next, they face German powerhouse Bayern Munich in a much-anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday, a test that could further cement Inzaghi’s reputation as one of Europe’s elite managers.