Former Inter President Massimo Moratti says Samir Handanovic’s absence against Juventus “will be a big blow,” and that VAR wouldn't have changed the outcome of the April 1998 Derby d'Italia.
Moratti, who owned the club from 1995 to 2014, gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport and touched upon an array of topics ahead of the Derby d’Italia on Sunday.
Lautaro Martinez’s form has dipped in recent weeks after an impressive first half of the campaign, and has been constantly linked with a move to Barcelona.
Former Inter President Massimo Moratti says Samir Handanovic’s absence against Juventus “will be a big blow,” and that VAR wouldn't have changed the outcome of the April 1998 Derby d'Italia.
Moratti, who owned the club from 1995 to 2014, gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport and touched upon an array of topics ahead of the Derby d’Italia on Sunday.
Lautaro Martinez’s form has dipped in recent weeks after an impressive first half of the campaign, and has been constantly linked with a move to Barcelona.
“It’s unlikely that the rumours are affecting him in any way,” Moratti told La Gazzetta.
“I am sure that we will see the real Martinez soon, maybe tomorrow.
“What matters in the end is the will of the player.”
Inter signed Christian Eriksen in January, so what does Moratti think of the Dane?
“A champion, capable of playing with both feet,. I believe that in recent weeks Antonio Conte has worked to adapt to the characteristics of the Dane, who will soon be able to lead the team.
“He has those sudden flashes that make you win games.”
Goalkeeper Handanovic is in doubt for the Derby d’Italia, as the Slovenian has been out with a hand injury, and Moratti believes the Inter captain’s absence would be a big blow.
“For his technical skill and the ability to give security to the defence, he would be a big miss.
“Without taking anything away from Daniele Padelli, who has found himself on the pitch in a very difficult situation after two years out, but Handanovic makes the difference.”
Moratti was then asked what player from the Bianconeri would he like to see at Inter.
“It’s too easy to say Ronaldo, so I’ll go with Giorgio Chiellini, a real tough guy with great team spirit.
“Hopefully he won’t be at his best in the next few matches…”
The Derby d’Italia has been marred by controversial decisions over the years, with the most controversial being Mark Iuliano’s foul on Ronaldo in April 1998.
“The most difficult memory for me to digest remains the game in 1998, in Luigi Simoni’s time.”
Does Moratti think VAR would’ve changed the decision?
“I don’t think so, nonetheless there is a referee behind the VAR screen. They would have probably denied Iuliano’s foul and give Juve a penalty, anyway."
Moratti isn’t a fan of the system.
“I don’t like VAR. It kills the emotion. It also doesn’t give absolute certainties.”