Inter director Beppe Marotta confirms he called Max Allegri as well as Simone Inzaghi to replace Antonio Conte, while denying there is ‘an agreement’ with Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
The match with Monza kicks off at the U-Power Stadium at 19.45 GMT.
The Nerazzurri were crowned Winter Champions thanks to being top of the table at the midway stage of the season, although Juventus remain in very close pursuit and Marotta said this week they felt like hares being hunted.
“The reason I said that as a metaphor was because we were pelted with a lot of criticism, so we must remain on our toes and avoid those bullets, just as the hare does with the hunter’s rifle,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“Inter’s main objective, as reflected by its history, is to try to win every competition it competes in. We must optimise our performance, but feel inferior to nobody. That is our dogma.
“The best team will win and if it’s not us, we take our hats off to them. Our aim is to compete to win, but we have never been so presumptuous as to say we will win the Scudetto. We will fight to the end and try to win.”
What is it about being chased by Juventus that makes them a particularly dangerous adversary?
“Juventus have a very experienced leader in Allegri and he drilled a strong mentality into his team. With their difficulties, including injuries, they are still extremely competitive.
“As for us, we need to see this challenge as motivation. The media is constantly going on about the February 4 showdown, but we’ve seen points tend to be dropped against the mid-table teams, so I do not believe that match will be decisive for the Scudetto.”
Marotta worked with Allegri at Juventus, so he does not deny that this is one of the coaches he called when Conte announced he was leaving Inter.
“We had to contact coaches when we knew there was going to be a change and went for those who were free agents. At that time, it included Allegri and Inzaghi, but we are very proud to have brought in Inzaghi, with all due respect to Allegri.”
Inter have already made a signing in the January transfer window, bringing in Tajon Buchanan from Club Brugge to replace the injured Juan Cuadrado.
That investment cost €7m, while Stefano Sensi is close to joining Leicester City, but Marotta rebuffs suggestions they are looking for new forwards.
“We have the most prolific attack in Serie A this season with 48 goals, so there is no real need to sign new forwards for this season.”
Marko Arnautovic had a nightmare against Verona last week, missing an open goal and even accidentally blocking another shot on the line.
“Lautaro Martinez and Thuram have played regularly, we bolstered the squad with two experienced players. However, an off day can happen, it’s not fair to criticise Arnautovic for one game.”
There are multiple reports that Inter have already agreed personal terms with Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski, whose contract with the Partenopei expires on June 30.
“Clearly, the transfer market is always active. Piero Ausilio, Dario Baccin and the rest of us are keeping an eye on opportunities.
“In January, clubs can contact players who will be free agents at the end of June, so like all clubs we want to be active on that score.
“However, I can say we have absolutely not reached any agreement.”
#Marotta: “#Zielinski? Siamo attivi, ma non abbiamo raggiunto alcun accordo”. Il piano dell’#Inter (da novembre)https://t.co/I5SKETePzW
— Alfredo Pedullà (@AlfredoPedulla) January 13, 2024