The Italian says that the Ivorian is a “great player” and has confirmed that he is looking for his own Andrea Pirlo

Inter boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed that he is looking for an experienced midfielder in the Andrea Pirlo mould and hinted that Manchester City star Yaya Toure could fit the bill.

The Ivorian’s agent, Dimitri Seluk, said that his client was “90 per cent certain” to leave the Etihad Stadium last week and the Bianconeri are known admirers, with owner Erick Thohir says that he will do everything he can to bring the former Barcelona man to San Siro.

Mancini has confirmed that he wants an older head to step into his side’s midfield and said that Toure is a “great player”.

“Pirlo is one of the greatest midfielders of the past 15 years,” he told reporters.

“Not everyone thought he had made the right choice when he left Milan, but Juventus did very well.

“If we find a player like that, so be it. Important players of 32 or 33 years of age can still make a difference for Inter. It could be Toure. He’s a great player, but he is a City player, we will see.”

Inter take on Juve on Saturday and Mancini is not expecting the Bianconeri to take their foot of the pedal, having reached the Champions League final in midweek.

“Juventus will be tough because reaching a final creates a great mood about the place,” he added. “Whoever plays will give 100 per cent.

“The team has improved and become exactly that – a team. We still have to work on some weaknesses.

“The rivalry between Juventus and Inter needs to stay on the pitch and I think it can add spice to the game.”