Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi discussed the failed exchange deal involving Matteo Politano and Leonardo Spinazzola in an interview with Italian broadcaster Sky Sports Italia today.
“Spinazzola is very well and is very happy to stay at Roma and will stay here,” Petrachi confirmed.
“As for Marotta, I respect him and we’re friends but there was a mistake between him and the sporting director Piero Ausilio. Roma had certainly closed the deal, but then we know how it went.”
Petrachi explained why he felt the deal collapsed.
“There was talk of Spinazzola needing extra medical examinations, but Marotta had him at Juve and so he knows him,” he explained.
“The operation was quietly closed, but then Inter wanted to change conditions that were not acceptable to us and everyone went back. I’m sorry for Matteo Politano, who came to Rome with such desire.”
The 51-year-old Italian executive discussed whether the Giallorossi would continue their chase of Politano.
“You have to let common sense prevail, you know that in the market some things happen. But when the word is out, the operation is closed.
“Now I don’t know what they want to do with Politano but Inter doesn’t need him and we’ll look for a forward.
“If they want to give him to Roma on loan, we’ll be ready to listen to them and do what’s best for the player. Politano is Inter’s property but he could also be a definitive purchase for Roma.”
The Giallorossi sporting director touched on why the club approached Politano.
“Let’s try to use common sense, there will always be fights in the market but after the word has been gotten out these things are upsetting.
“After Nicolò Zaniolo’s injury I called Politano’s agent, Davide Lippi, because we found ourselves needing a forward.
“They were the ones who asked for Spinazzola, we found ourselves thinking we had to give up a guy who was doing very well.”
Finally, Petrachi discussed how the deal collapsed before the medical examinations even happened.
“I’m talking about a mistake because Inter changed their minds before the medical. Marotta called Guido Fienga saying he wasn’t convinced and that he wanted to do medical examinations.
“That’s where the mistake comes from. When I get the OK from my chief executive, the operation is closed as far as I’m concerned. The signatures and details were missing, but the operation was as good as closed.”
