Juventus” data-scaytid=”1″>Juventus gm Beppe Marotta tried to lower the tension with Inter ahead of tonight’s match and explained Daniel Osvaldo’s transfer.
Juventus gm Beppe Marotta tried to lower the tension with Inter ahead of tonight’s match and explained Daniel Osvaldo’s transfer.
The rivalry between these clubs has only escalated after the failure this month of a swap deal between Fredy Guarin and Mirko Vucinic.
“There was a verbal agreement with Inter, so we contacted him and discussed terms. That is how things usually progress. I’ve discussed this enough and want to take the tone to a calmer level ahead of this game,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“In this case I felt it important to speak up because Inter named us in their statement and as the two people most damaged by the whole affair were Guarin and Vucinic.
“Inter have made many changes this season and there are difficulties in that situation. The club is prestigious and the Coach talented, so I am sure they will get back to success soon.
“Of course a different thing happened to us, as Antonio Conte was able to win the Scudetto in his first season, but that was down to the great work from the Coach and club.”
There was trouble before the match, as Inter’s team bus was pelted with rocks on its way to the stadium.
“I don’t know where it happened, but certainly not in the Stadium, so we couldn’t police that area. It’s a shame, of course the club condemns this behaviour. Unfortunately, it is a common problem, as our team bus has windows smashed once every other week.
“We lowered the tension, welcomed the visiting directors in the warmest way and are sure it will be a great sporting event.”
Marotta was also asked about Osvaldo, who arrived on loan from Southampton, but is not yet available to play.
“We wanted to make the most of any opportunities. Osvaldo arrived on a free loan, so we didn’t pay a single penny, and the player drastically reduced his salary to help the move go through. There is an option to buy at the end of the season for €19m and we have these months to evaluate how he settles in, then can discuss whether there are the terms to sign him permanently. It’s premature to talk about it now.
“Our objective was to raise the competition within the squad and the overall quality level. It is down to Conte to make his decisions game by game.”