Marotta: ‘Inter victim of jealousy and unfounded criticism’
Inter President Beppe Marotta agrees with Cristian Chivu that their success ‘attracted jealousy and excessive criticism,’ while youth is the way forward in the Milan derby.
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.
The Nerazzurri are forced into changes, because Marcus Thuram has flu symptoms and is not even fit for a spot on the bench this evening.
Curiously, Lautaro Martinez is named among the substitutes, even though he is in absolutely no condition to play, because the captain wants to be close to his teammates during this huge match.
Marotta reassuring for Inter showdown
“It was a nice gesture, he wanted to be there and knows that a captain is not just on the pitch, but he can take that role off it too. We consider it an extremely positive attitude,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.
Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny start together in a competitive match for the first time, forming a brand new and young Inter strike partnership.
“Italian football cannot compete financially with many other leagues, so we need to focus on the quality of Made in Italy. Playing Pio Esposito is to the credit of our youth academy, and this is the path that other Serie A sides ought to be following.
“Football is entertainment and another way of creating that is to make the most of the talent within our shores.”
Inter are 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, so anything less than a defeat would all but stitch the Scudetto badge onto their jersey.
“We are not thinking about that,” said the President. “We want to remember the dangers in this derby, as it is always separate from the rest of the season.
“I hope it can be a positive advertisement for the city of Milano, an iconic city. We hope it can be spectacular and positive for those in the stadium and around the world.”
Cristian Chivu complained recently that Inter did not receive credit for their successes this campaign, playing in the Coppa Italia semi-final and top of Serie A.
“I think it is a fair assessment, because generally those who win tend to attract jealousy or excessive criticism without substance,” agreed Marotta.
“In the last five years, Inter are the side in Italy who won the most, and we’ve got to be able to handle that kind of malicious sniping that drags us into situations where we don’t belong. There’s no point getting into more controversy.”