Inter director Beppe Marotta insists Simone Inzaghi is continuing the work started by Antonio Conte, improving their Champions League tally. ‘It’s not true that only those who spend big money win.’
The clash with Shakhtar Donetsk kicks off at San Siro at 17.45 GMT.
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
A victory here would be enough to guarantee qualification for the Round of 16, as long as Real Madrid don’t lose to Sheriff.
“We expected the squad to grow over time and that has been the case,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“These players are mature and they are putting in the right performances. We want to secure our first objective for the season, even though we are aware that Shakhtar are a very good opponent.
“We have all the elements in place to hit this target that Inter have been without for many years. We started an era with Antonio Conte and are continuing it with Simone Inzaghi. We are on the right track.
“It was a difficult summer with many situations that we had to overcome, but we did it with a club that guaranteed support. We chose a young and determined coach, able to deal with a squad that was living up to expectations.
“It’s not necessarily true that only those who spend big money end up winning, as there are other values in football too. We now have players aware they can face any opponent.”
Marotta was also asked about the on-going contract negotiations for Croatia international Brozovic, whose current deal will expire at the end of this season.
“We can offer the right ingredients for a side that is wanted by other colleagues, ingredients which are very difficult to find in other clubs,” added Marotta.
“I am optimistic on the contract renewals, we got the deals done for Nicolò Barella and Lautaro Martinez, and I think the others will stay with us too.”
#Inter , Marotta: ‘Rinnovo #Brozovic ? Sono ottimista. Abbiamo fatto Barella e Lautaro, proseguiremo con gli altri’ #InterShakhtar #ChampionsLeague #UCL https://t.co/o0F2n7Yzgf pic.twitter.com/cb8xjyuGvO
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) November 24, 2021
For real