Inter director Alessandro Antonello expects Inter to halve their losses for 2021-22 and says that ‘having a new stadium is more important than where it will be built.’
The Nerazzurri and Milan have approved a project to build their new home in the area of San Siro, but fear that it will take longer than expected to build it.
“Building a stadium at San Siro is the first choice for us, but if the public debate leads to a different project or a long time to realise it, we’d move towards a plan B. Having the stadium is more important than where it will be,” Antonello told La Repubblica newspaper.
“The public debate is correct but, as investors, we must be sure about the timing. We must have an alternative in case things don’t go as planned. It’s not a gift for the clubs, but an investment for our and the city’s good.”
‘Inter and Milan free to consider other options for their new stadium’
Inter announced losses of €245m last season, a record for Serie A clubs.
“Last season’s financial results were affected by extraordinary events such as the pandemic and the terminations of contracts with Antonio Conte, Radja Nainggolan and Joao Mario. We’ll halve our losses this season, let’s say around €100m,” said Antonello.
“Right now, we must ensure economic sustainability so if that means reducing the costs we’ll go this way, but the financial discipline must be accompanied by competitivity on the pitch.”
Antonello doesn’t expect the Nerazzurri to have issues related to UEFA’s Financial Fari play: “Milan, Juventus and Roma are also in talks with UEFA. The effects of the pandemic concern more than 30 clubs in Europe,” he said.
“For now, UEFA has a collaborative spirit and is preparing a transitory agreement leading to new sustainability criteria.
Will the Zhang family remain in charge of Inter in the long run? “The presence of Steven Zhang in the office close to this one represents their long-term commitment,” noted Antonello.