Former Inter president Massimo Moratti reflected on Romelu Lukaku’s controversial summer and the dangers Fiorentina pose to the Nerazzurri.
Simone Inzaghi’s side will face the Viola in their third outing of the Serie A season on Sunday evening, a match they’ll be hoping to win to maintain momentum in the early stages of the campaign.
Lukaku initially seemed destined to return to Inter this summer before they changed course after discovering his negotiations with Juventus, which led nowhere due to their financial limitations. After weeks of speculation, he finally made the jump to Roma, leaving Chelsea on a dry loan deal.
Speaking to Radio Bruno Firenze via Calciomercato.com, Moratti first touched on Inter’s work in the summer transfer window.
“I think Inter can be considered very reinforced, especially in the middle of the pitch where they have signed a lot of good players. Then I saw them play and it seemed to me that Inter play really well.”
He spoke about Lukaku’s rollercoaster summer.
“I think he made a big fool of himself in dealing with Inter, Juventus…at least seeing the situation from the outside. But then I’d say he ended up with an important club like Roma.”
The former Inter president touched on the strengths of Vincenzo Italiano’s Fiorentina.
“I thought Fiorentina’s market was good. I saw that an important centre forward arrived, which is what was missing. The added value, I repeat, is Italiano.
“He’s a coach I like a lot, he has quality and character. I think the attack was the weak point last season when the Viola were unable to win the Coppa Italia or Conference League final.”
Finally, Moratti discussed what it means for Inter to face Fiorentina and how the clash can be used to predict a season.
“I always have the feeling that Italiano can play tricks on Inter. Matches against Fiorentina are always difficult, but they are also signals for the season.
“When I was president, I remember that seasons were good if you won against the Viola, and bad if you didn’t win. So, I hope it goes well at Inter, but I have to say that I fear Fiorentina.”