Inter director Beppe Marotta says ‘credit goes to Simone Inzaghi’ for reaching the Champions League Final but the Nerazzurri ‘have a dream, and we hope it becomes a reality.’
The Serie A giants face Manchester City in the Champions League Final in Istanbul tonight, Saturday, June 10, 2023.
It kicks off at 20:00 GMT+1.
Marotta spoke to Sky Sport Italia on Friday night, less than 24 hours before kick-off.
“There is emotion, but I am accustomed to it. The appointment is important and can’t be repeated easily,” he said.
“Players touched the turf today, they’ve never played a Champions League Final, but they are not scared.
“They have an expert coach, and there will be emotion going to the stadium, but when we enter it, we’ll forget everything.
“This is the most important appointment for those who love football. For us, it’s something new, Inter haven’t played a Champions League Final in the last 13 years,” continued Marotta.
“It’s the sixth in the club’s history. We have a dream and we hope it becomes reality.”
Inter have won the Champions League three times. The last one was in 2009-10 under José Mourinho when the Nerazzurri completed a memorable treble. They lost two Finals, against Celtic in 1967 and Ajax in 1972.
“As a director, I am proud, but I share it with the technical staff and the entire club,” added Marotta.
“Everyone supported the activities on the pitch. The credit goes to the coach who has a bright future ahead. He has already decided on the line-up, even if having doubts is wise. We have a strong group across 120 minutes; everyone can be involved.”
Inter have been struggling financially after the COVID pandemic, but reaching the Champions League Final will boost the club’s finances.
“Financially, there isn’t much difference between the winners and the runners-up. What would bring more advantages is prestige.
“I have no suggestions for Inzaghi, I thank the fans for the attendance record. We can hear them at San Siro; the same will happen in Istanbul. I hope their dream becomes a reality.”
Inzaghi has only lost one of his 20 knock-out games in charge of Inter, winning two Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa in his two years at the Stadio Meazza.