Inter CEO Beppe Marotta admitted the interest in Italian talents Giorgio Scalvini and Davide Frattesi, and commented on the future of Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku.
The Nerazzurri have disappointed in Serie A this season, picking up 12 losses in 36 league outings, but have impressed in cup competitions, reaching the finals of the Coppa Italia and the Champions League. Simone Inzaghi also guided the team to a Supercoppa Italiana victory over rivals Milan.
Inter are gearing up for an important summer transfer window, hoping the reinforcements will help Inzaghi’s side close the gap at the top of the Serie A table.
Speaking in an interview with Radio Rai, Marotta first looked back at the season and reflected on Inzaghi’s work at Inter.
“You can’t evaluate a season simply from one match. On the contrary, the fact of reaching the Champions League final is a reason of great prestige and value, also for the coach and therefore also for Inzaghi, who richly deserves it. The assessment we made as a result is extremely positive.
“There was a time when things were not going well and so it is clear that the debate within the club was stronger and more direct, but always within the framework of proactive criticism.
“Inzaghi has shown that he is not only equal to his role, but that he knows how to put the season back on a very positive path. His work is positive and is recognised by everyone within the club.”
He was asked about the Nerazzurri’s interest in Scalvini and Frattesi.
“They are two very, very interesting youngsters, but there are others. Italian football is an expression of truly pure talent. They are two elements followed by many clubs, I won’t hide the fact that even Inter have our eyes on them.
“Then you have to reconcile this vision with a negotiation that has to be carried out, right now we are at a standstill. We must pursue the road of enhancing the Italian product, it is obligatory. Italian football can express great values in terms of players, coaches, referees, and managers.
“Of course, the most important investments are in training centres, it goes without saying that the relationship between the Federation and individual clubs, which is already excellent, must be even stronger.
“The talents in Italy are there and they are talents that can compete with their peers all over Europe.”
He provided an update on the future of Chelsea loanee Lukaku, who has finally started to find his form.
“Romelu loves the shirt he wears, he is very comfortable at Inter. These are fundamental aspects, this desire of his to be with us. But he is on loan until June 30. He will return to Chelsea, and we don’t know what will happen on a technical level at that club. At the moment we are at the window.”
Finally, Marotta gave his thoughts on the reports that Luciano Spalletti will leave Napoli at the end of the season.
“I hope for the good of football that he and De Laurentiis continue to work together, they are two added values of our football. The fact that they are separating generates some bitterness. Then I don’t know things, it’s right to respect any evaluation that the two decide to implement.
“They have done a great feat, we must give them the great merit of having brought the Scudetto back to Naples, the result of planning, great competence and great professionalism.”