Materazzi sends message to Mourinho ahead of Roma-Inter

Marco Materazzi recalls when José Mourinho was irritated by Roma‘s anthem and insists the Special One ‘hasn’t changed.’

The former defender won the treble under the Portuguese tactician in 2010. The Nerazzurri won the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League in 2009-10, before Mourinho’s move to Real Madrid.

“He is the same as always, he hasn’t changed,” Materazzi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He is working in a different and exciting environment. We are opponents, but, deep down, we all support him. Now Roma is in his heart.”

The Special One meets his former club Inter at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow.

“He will have sweet memories until the kick-off, but then it will be battle on the pitch,” said Materazzi before recalling when the Special One was irritated by the Giallorossi’s anthem.

“It was before the Coppa Italia Final [between Inter and Roma] at the Stadio Olimpico in 2010. The Roma anthem was played before kick-off and he was mad about it. He was motivating us with his mind games and he had built a team stronger than adversities.

“There is a difference between Roma and Inter now,” Materazzi contained.

“Inzaghi’s team has more depth, while Roma need four or five new signings, I thought the same before Mourinho arrived.”

What would Materazzi tell Mourinho before the match against Inter?

“Remember that you play against your team, so no funny business.”

Materazzi, 48, played 35 games under the Special One between 2008 and 2010.

They won five titles in two years at Inter: two Scudetti, one Italian Supercup, one Champions League and one Coppa Italia.

Mourinho continued his career at Real Madrid, Chelsea (second spell), Manchester United and Tottenham.

He signed a three-year deal with Roma in the summer.

#Materazzi: "Roma non è una piazza facile, ma #Mourinho è lo stesso di sempre"#ASRoma https://t.co/2ByehjEm12

— Forzaroma.info (@forzaroma) December 3, 2021