Massimo Moratti insists the Derby d'Italia won't be decisive and Inter are “not playing the victim card, but are simply realistic.”
Massimo Moratti insists the Derby d'Italia won't be decisive and Inter are “not playing the victim card, but are simply realistic.”
The Nerazzurri have been very vocal in their complaints after having five penalties awarded against them in the first eight Serie A rounds, more than any other club.
General manager Ernesto Paolillo even rang up a television show to declare “if in doubt, the referees whistle against Inter.”
President Moratti commented on this controversy and the spectre of Calciopoli ahead of tonight's clash with Juventus” data-scaytid=”12″>Juventus.
“We are not playing the victim card, but are simply realistic and know when we've played badly,” said the patron after a shareholder's meeting on Friday night.
“I hope nobody feels the effects of the Calciopoli row, because that would create a nasty atmosphere. I really doubt the players are thinking about this.
"Some say I am not a President who has much sway with the Powers that Be. I can say that if that means forging false friendships just to get something in return, then I'm proud not to be that kind of a President. I am incapable of thinking that way.
"We have been irritated by the way referees have so easily ruled against Inter when in doubt. That's not to say there were conspiracies or links with anything that happened in the past, as that no longer exists."
Juventus are alone on top of the table for the first time since they were demoted and had two Scudetti stripped in 2006.
“Juve worked well for six years to find a team that works. They have a good Coach who can bring good results with his vivacious approach.
“In recent years we won everything and now we have a side that is a little more tired. You cannot tell how a campaign will go from the first few weeks.
“I am not worried at the current situation. I thank Claudio Ranieri, who is a gentleman and has brought a calm atmosphere back to the side, even if he hasn't been here for long.
“Both Rafa Benitez and Gian Piero Gasperini had the total support of the players and club, I want to make that clear, and it angers me to hear them say otherwise.”
Some claim this will be a Scudetto decider, as failure to beat Juventus would rule Inter out of the race.
“Nothing is decisive in football until the last moment. I think it is an important game in psychological terms for the two sides, as it can build confidence.”
Meanwhile, the meeting confirmed an increase in capital worth €40m, as costs were cut this financial year, but Inter still ran at a loss of €86m despite bringing in €270m.