Beppe Marotta assures the Inter season remains ‘positive’ despite Champions League elimination and ‘there can be no other conclusion’ than a new Lautaro Martinez contract.
The match with Napoli kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.
The last few days have been rough for both clubs, as the Nerazzurri fumbled a first leg lead to crash out of the Champions League to Atletico Madrid on penalties, while the Partenopei were eliminated by Barcelona.
This also feels like the handing over of the Scudetto baton between the reigning champions and the runaway leaders.
It was not clear how the Inter supporters would deal with this surprise early exit from Europe, but they greeted the team bus with fireworks, flares and a huge banner reading: ‘Proud of you.’
“It is not a negative moment and that is confirmed by the banner from the ultras. We too are proud of this squad for the journey taken, we continue the season with great optimism and courage,” Marotta told DAZN.
“When you are a big club, you must also live with ferocious criticism. We are also well aware that we’re on track for a wonderful season.
“Only the best can win a season-long league tournament, whereas European competitions are not always won by the best teams, there are many different factors in play there, from the draw to injuries and timing.
“Under the old away goals rule, we would’ve qualified for the quarter-finals. Errors were made, but we must learn from them to be stronger in the future.
“We build a squad with great potential and are happy with the players that we have. I don’t see how it is possible to not view this season positively.
“We are top of the table with a good margin, but we must not rest on our laurels. There are many points up for grabs and we want to achieve this target as soon as possible, hopefully along with a points record. We are concentrated on achieving something extraordinary.”
Now that Inter are out of the Champions League, the question turns to securing a new contract for Lautaro Martinez.
“Before the end of the season, we will reach a conclusion. Right now we are still dedicated to different commitments and this is why the process slowed down, but the rapport with his agent is splendid and there can be no other conclusion than a renewal.”