Inter CEO Beppe Marotta discussed the partial reopening of football stadiums in an interview in today’s paper edition of the Turin based newspaper La Stampa.

“Has the Government accepted our requests? Yes, and it is an excellent sign. We greet them with a great sense of responsibility.

“The teams will certainly be able to guarantee safety inside the stadiums. We have already demonstrated that we are able to put effective protocols into practice.”

The Nerazzurri CEO highlighted how he hopes that the limit of fans allowed inside the stadium will be raised soon.

“Yes, of course. This is a good start. We understand the government’s caution in the face of the pandemic. But it is understandable that football clubs are pushing for higher capacity.

“In Lega Serie A’s study, work on in recent months, there is talk of filling 40% of the total of Italian stadiums.”

Marotta commented on how he understands the work of the government but still hopes for the increased levels of attendance.

“I do not know if it will be possible to reach that level in a short time, but we hope to be able to go over a 1000 already in the coming months. We hope to improve soon.

“But, I repeat, we understand perfectly the severity of the government on this issue.”

The former Juventus executive touched on how he is not one of those people who are convinced that the Italian government is hostile in regards to football.

“No. We must understand that we are facing an emergency. And we must say thank you for encouraging openness.

“Football has been restored. But it is clear that we miss the public. You can feel the absence of their warmth and their push for the players during the games.”

Marotta also admitted the importance of ticket sales for clubs and their revenue streams.

“But we also miss them in economic terms. Ticket sales are an important part of our budgets.”

He highlighted how allowing only 1000 fans into the stadium does not really help alleviate the economic concerns.

“Yes, they do not represent a significant amount for the revenues of a soccer club. This prolonged stop of revenue from tickets and season tickets creates significant problems for Italian clubs.”

Finally, Marotta discussed how the Nerazzurri tested having 1000 fans inside the stadium for the 7-0 friendly win over Pisa yesterday, and if that idea will continue.

“Yes. We let in 1000 spectators in first tier after having tested their temperatures at the entrance. All with masks and spaced 4-5 seats apart, following the directions.

“We can repeat this for the league matches.”