Inter chief executive Giuseppe ‘Beppe’ Marotta has insisted that Inter are ready for the Europa League final against Sevilla which is due to get underway just shortly at the RheinEnergieSTADION in Cologne, Germany.
“This represents an important achievement to recognise the work done by the coach and players,” he explained to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia a short while before the game began.
“It is good for the club because a trophy has been missing for a long time, there is the right tension because these matches must be played well, we are ready.”
The former Juventus executive, who has been with Inter for over a year now, was then asked what makes the difference in such matches.
“We must maintain tension and motivation, but also clarity. These games now last 100 minutes, so you have to stay focused. I am confident because Conte has experience in these important matches, so I am optimistic.”
He was then asked about the fact Inter have four Italians playing in the side today in Alessandro Bastoni, Danilo D’Ambrosio, Nicolo Barella and Roberto Gagliardini.
“It makes us very proud to have four Italians in the starting XI. This experience at club level ensures that when players go on international duty, they are already prepared and raring to go.
“It’s important for all Serie A clubs fighting for silverware to have an Italian core, just as we did in our first Juventus side.”
Next Marotta was asked if club management verbally support the team in such situations or leave it all down to the coaching staff at the club to do that.
“The club is present and this is a sign of strong attachment. The management dynamics are the responsibility of the coach and Lele Oriali. Both have a record of successes.
“The Chinese ownership is doing a lot to experience these emotions in the right way, the hope is that the end will be the right one.”
In conclusion, Marotta was asked how Inter manager Antonio Conte’s high spirits have affected the mood of the Inter team as a whole.
“I must say that in the last month there is comfort due to the important results, the coach was also an architect in this. I think he gave the right desire to work and the right mood to be able to continue on this path drawn up by him a year ago.”