Inter Milan: 5 Young Stars to Watch out for in 2011-12

The arrival of new manager Gian Piero Gasperini means that Inter are set to change to a 3-4-3 formation in an effort to dethrone bitter rivals AC Milan next season.

If Inter wish to knock Milan off of their top spot in Serie A, Gasperini must incorporate some of the Nerazzurri's young starlets in his rotation, something Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri did a great job doing in 2010-11.

Here are five of Inter's young stars to watch out for in 2011-12.

Ricardo Gabriel Álvarez

Ricardo Gabriel Álvarez made an €11.75 million transfer to Inter from Argentina-based club Vélez Sársfield.

Alvarez was reportedly a target of Arsenal but made surprising move to the Italian giants on July 5, 2011. Alvarez can play anywhere in the midfield, but has been called an inconsistent performer at times.

One this is for sure: If Alvarez plays up to his potential, he will be a player to look out for next season.

In 40 games for Vélez Sársfield in 2010-11, Alvarez scored five goals.

Philippe Coutinho

Coutinho made his highly anticipated debut for the Nerazzurri last season. He appeared in 15 games and scored one goal, albeit was a beautiful free-kick effort.

The 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder made his international debut for Brazil in a friendly match against Iran in October of last year.

Coutinho should play a bigger role this season after transitioning to Italian football in Serie A last season. His dribbling, creativity and technique make him a great asset for Gasperini and Inter.

Andrea Ranocchia

Ranocchia established himself as one of Europe's best young central defenders in 2010. He earned himself a call-up to the Italian national team in 2010 following his impressive form for Inter.

In 2010-11, he made 26 appearances for the Italian giants.

Look for more of the same from Ranocchia. He should be a regular first-team player next season.

Davide Santon

Santon is one of the Azzurri's most prized talents. The full-back is still only 20 years old, having spent the last three years with Inter.

Last season, he appeared in 16 games for the club. In the January transfer window, Inter loaned him out to Cesena, where he made an additional 11 appearances.

Santon's height and speed make him an ideal fit to play on either the left or right side of Inter's back three in 2011-12. His ability to use either foot gives Gasperini extra versatility at the back.

Luc Castaignos

You probably have not heard of Luc Castaignos, but you will surely hear about him next season.

The tall Dutchman has made it a habit to score goals. Last season, at only 17 years of age, the Holland U-19 international scored 15 goals in 30 appearances for Dutch Eredivisie giants Feyenoord.

In 17 caps for the Holland U-17 team, Castaignos scored a record 13 goals. He was promoted to the U-19 team in 2009 and has scored nine goals in 14 matches since.

Castaignos is a tall, composed and technically gifted striker with a tremendous eye for goal. If any of Inter's top strikers go down, expect Castaignos to be a more than adequate replacement.