Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi notes that many players regret ‘turning their backs on Inter’ while captain Lautaro Martinez is a ‘true Interista.’
Materazzi released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, talking about his former club, Inter, who will be looking to retain the Serie A title in 2024-25.
The Nerazzurri have already signed Piotr Zielinski and Mehdi Taremi for free, plus Josep Martinez from Genoa for €15m.
Have they already won ‘the title’ for the best signings in Italy’s top flight this summer?
“For now, yes. I like all the signings so much. After all, Marotta and Ausilio never made errors,” said Materazzi.
“There is room for improvement, but with these reinforcements, it won’t be easy to build a better team than last season.”
Inter dominated in the latest Serie A campaign but were eliminated pretty early from the Champions League, losing to Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16.
“The Serie A title must be the main target but the team has been built perfectly,” insisted Materazzi.
“Inter deserved to win the title last season and would have deserved it two years ago as well when Milan eventually won. In Europe, it’s different. More top-level clubs are just as well-equipped, if not better.”
Materazzi: Many players regret ‘turning their backs on Inter’
How about coach Simone Inzaghi?
“He’s had a massive impact and everyone can see it,” said the ex-Italy defender.
“He is one of the reasons behind Inter’s triumphs and as an Inter fan, I am happy he’s been confirmed for the long term.”
After months of negotiations, Lautaro Martinez has agreed to sign a contract extension with the Nerazzurri.
“Signing a new contract until 2029 clearly signals his commitment,” noted Materazzi.
“He’s a real Interista, unlike others who filled their mouths with these words and signed for different clubs. Many turned their backs on Inter over the last three or four years, but they regretted it.”
Taremi is one of the new summer signings. Could he potentially replace Marcus Thuram in the starting XI this season?
“I don’t think so. Marcus has proved to be a first-choice and one of the top five, if not top three, strikers in Serie A,” Materazzi replied.
“He is young and is perfectly in sync with Lautaro. Let me say more. If it were up to me, I’d line up a team with Thuram and ten more players.”
How about the most dangerous opponent for Inzaghi and his team?
“I see Napoli well. Conte is a coach who knows how to prepare his players, and Napoli, as a club, has been handling many changes without losing enthusiasm. Think about the title they won despite selling Mertens, Koulibaly, Fabian Ruiz, and Ospina,” concluded Materazzi.
Don’t think so, Marco. Turning down Inter was one of my best choicrs & I did not regret it. Ever. Because I knew Lautaro would be more perfect for Inter. Forza Inter !
I disagree with Thuram comment, I think he has been hyped up way too much because of his father. He was not that impressive at Gladbach and that’s why they sold him, he hasn’t been great at France as a striker either, and so far not that great at Inter. Hyped up players don’t go far. Taremi on the other hand has been great at Porto and his national team, we will eat up Thuram and spit him up like a little school boy.
Why my post was taken down Lorenzo?