Former Inter president Massimo Moratti reflected on his decision to sack Gian Piero Gasperini back in 2011 and spoke about the threats Atalanta pose.
Gasperini spent just three months in charge of the Nerazzurri from June to September 2011, being shown the door by Moratti after a five-game winless run. He spent time with Palermo and Genoa before ultimately joining Atalanta in 2016.
Inter currently hold a two-point lead over Juventus at the top of the league table and will be desperate to maintain momentum with a win over Atalanta, who are fighting to return to the Champions League.
Speaking on page nine of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Moratti was first asked if he regretted dismissing Gasperini from Inter back in 2016.
“Well, it happens in everyone’s life that we have matches that don’t give the desired results, that was a case of this type…
“I certainly don’t regret having made that choice, if anything I’m simply sorry that coach Gasperini hadn’t shown that he was equally good at Inter too.”
He was also asked why the coach was shown the door after just three months.
“The problem was that he never won a match until he left. Faced with results like this, talking about formations takes its toll.”
The former club president spoke about Inter’s strong away record and Atalanta’s strong home record.
“The match comes at the right time for both teams, most likely one of the two will have to lose this small defensive record.
“There’s no point in hiding, Inter are stronger than Atalanta on paper, but this is always a particularly difficult match. And also great for the quality of the players on the pitch.”
Moratti spoke about the duel between Lautaro Martinez and Gianluca Scamacca.
“Lautaro travels on another level, now very high. He doesn’t need confirmation or comparisons with other forwards.
“But I like what Scamacca is doing in Bergamo, it’s always nice for the national team that there is a boy with this talent in such an important role.”
He was asked if Inter should return for Giorgio Scalvini next summer.
“Scalvini is certainly an excellent player, one of the best young Italians ever, not only in his role. But in defence Inter aren’t in such a bad situation…
“Last year the department was already complete, now Pavard is a great addition who gives security and is very used to playing international matches.”
He was confident that Inter are the favourites for the title.
“Let’s say that this first stretch of the season speaks clearly. Yes, Inter are the favourites.”
Finally, Moratti discussed Inter’s main rivals for the league title this term.
“Juventus, not playing in Europe can weigh on the race. Among other things, this is the month in which we will also go to play in Turin, but it is too early to talk about it, we will see in what conditions we will arrive at that match after the new break.
“For the moment, it’s better to focus only on Atalanta…”