Inter director Beppe Marotta discusses their growing ‘appeal’ on the international stage, the big game with Atalanta and potential interest in Paulo Dybala. ‘We are very happy with our strikers.’
It kicks off at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The Nerazzurri have started 2022 in ideal fashion, beating Juventus 2-1 in the final seconds of extra time to lift the Supercoppa Italiana for the first time in over a decade.
“It was an immense joy for us as both club and team,” Marotta told DAZN.
“However, the mental strength of a great side is shown by the ability to put this trophy aside and focus on tonight’s game. This is what we need to prove this evening.
“We know Alexis Sanchez likes to communicate and behave in passionate fashion, that’s part of his approach and the important thing is that he does his best on the pitch.”
Inevitably, Marotta was asked about Dybala’s glare towards the stands towards Juve directors and the potential he could leave as a free agent for Inter.
“Whenever a player of the calibre of Dybala is getting close to the end of his contract, it’s only natural he is linked with this or that club. However, we have four strikers in our squad that we are very happy with and are not looking for anyone in that area.
“Dybala would be an aspiration for many clubs and we keep an eye on the evolution of the market, but we are satisfied at the moment and want to show respect to the forwards who are already doing so well for Inter.”
Romelu Lukaku is visibly unhappy at Chelsea, so could more big players realise the appeal of Inter?
“I think the club has more appeal because it won the Scudetto and Supercoppa, reached the Europa League Final and showed it is a place that generates very intense emotions. That is a good calling card for players in Italy and abroad, who are very eager to come here.
“This helps us to raise the level of the squad, which is already very high.”
There are reports Marotta and Piero Ausilio will sign their new contracts with Inter for a long-term project.
“We don’t have agents to sort things out for us, so we have practically agreed a deal, even if it’s only right we wait for the official announcement. We are already at one of the biggest clubs in the world, so cannot ask for more.”
Inter, Marotta: “Io l’amico che cercava Dybala? No, ero a casa. E poi in attacco siamo a posto” https://t.co/Bacv5fWRBA
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) January 16, 2022