Ivan Cordoba discusses Calciopoli – “Inter weren’t convicted because they were innocent!”
The scandal saw Juventus stripped of two Scudetti – one of which was awarded to the Nerazzurri – and demoted to Serie B, while Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio were also punished.
In 2011, federal prosecutor Stefano Palazzi accused Inter’s Giacinto Facchetti of attempting to influence referee selection, but no trial could be brought as the statute of limitations had expired.
Ivan Cordoba discusses Calciopoli – “Inter weren’t convicted because they were innocent!”
The scandal saw Juventus stripped of two Scudetti – one of which was awarded to the Nerazzurri – and demoted to Serie B, while Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio were also punished.
In 2011, federal prosecutor Stefano Palazzi accused Inter’s Giacinto Facchetti of attempting to influence referee selection, but no trial could be brought as the statute of limitations had expired.
Last year, disgraced Juventus director Luciano Moggi was cleared of defaming Facchetti, as the judge concluded that the former full-back had “lobbied” referees.
This had led to claims that the Beneamata were given preferential treatment, with the Bianconeri seeking almost €500m in damages and the reinstatement of their Scudetti.
“I have some ambivalent ideas about Calciopoli,” Cordoba told CalcioNews24.
“On one hand I don’t want it to be forgotten, because this enormous malfeasance was anti-football, a sort of anti-sport at the highest level.
“You can’t go to the stadium knowing how the game will end, look at the season Leicester [City] are having in England, they’re experiencing real emotions.
“At the same time, I’ve had enough of controversy or absurd theories. Only in Italy can you think that if Inter weren’t convicted then there must be something behind it – what drivel!
“Inter weren’t convicted because they were innocent. Full stop.”
Cordoba was then asked about the current Inter side, and believes they can still make the Champions League, though the interview took place before last night’s defeat to Genoa.
“At this point, I think Inter have a very real chance.
“Could Milan give us a hand on the final day against Roma? Well the Rossoneri want to get into the Europa League, so you can be sure that the last thing on their mind will be helping Inter!
“That’s the beauty of football though, we helped to give Juve the Scudetto by beating Napoli on Sunday…
“I think we must invest in the summer to fight back starting from September with an ultra-competitive Inter.
“We’ll need two or three talented signings and a deep bench to counter the Bianconeri. We need a strong striker as backup to [Mauro] Icardi.
“Then there are also guys like [Ever] Banega or [Antonio] Candreva but a striker is essential.”