Ignazio La Russa, the former Italian Minister of Defence, current Vice-President of the Italian Senate and noted Inter fan, has come to Inter manager Antonio Conte’s defence following the criticism he has received following his latest statements.

Following Sunday night’s 2-2 draw away to Roma, Conte made it clear that he was far from happy with the schedule that he and his side have had to deal with since the 2019/20 Serie A season got back underway last month.

The former Italian national team boss stressed that his side are always coming up against sides who have had more rest than them and also highlighted the fact they are always playing away from home at 21:45 local time.

When asked about whether or not he agrees with the statement by Antonio Conte yesterday that Inter were not present when the fixture list was decided he replied: “That’s inaccurate. It’s true that there is a problem in Lega Calcio. Inter’s fixture list is appalling,” La Russa explained in an interview with Italian radio station Radio Punto Nuovo earlier on today, reported via FcInternews and FcInter1908.

The 73-year-old then proceeded to take a swipe at Inter’s arch rivals Juventus, who have not had to put up with as difficult a schedule as their arch rivals have.

“But there is an unwritten Golden Rule. That when Juventus are in trouble, help is immediately provided. And the refereeing yesterday in Roma vs Inter confirms this once again. Juve fans can’t admit it, it’s part of their contracts [with their club]. Luciano Moggi is the prototype of a Juventino: a cheater who is very competent.”