Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta assures the club will move ahead with “continuity and stability” amid uncertainty over the ownership situation.

The Nerazzurri are in turmoil behind the scenes as the effects of the coronavirus bite hard.

Owners Suning Group operate largely in property and retail and have been hit hard by the global crisis, as well as restrictions from the government in China.

The club have assured players that their deferred salaries from July and August will be paid before the February deadline as the owners remain in talks to sell the club.

British investment firm BC Partners are looking to do a deal and have been granted exclusivity until the end of next month as they do their due diligence.

In the meantime though Inter have been forced to delay their first payment for Achraf Hakimi and Marotta gave an update on the situation ahead of the Derby d’Italia with Juventus.

“All I can do is talk about Inter now, as one of the biggest teams in the world,” he told Sky Sport Italiamoments ago.

“The history speaks for itself and we’re at the top.

“We’ve been in a period of transition and we want to get back to where history tells us we should be.

“This match has an important value in terms of prestige, we have an obligation to our fans to do our best and get results.

“I can reassure everyone that Inter will go forward with continuity and stability.

“I can say that all my colleagues are making every effort to ensure peace of mind for the playing staff and  all employees.

“We’re not in a state of alarm the ownership are making assessments, as is their responsibility, and I can’t express a solid opinion about that.

“They know how to evaluate what Inter has been, what Inter is and what Inter will be.”

Another key issue is the situation of Christian Eriksen, who will be allowed to leave the club if the right offer arrives.

Marotta was asked for an update on the situation and confirmed there has been no serious movement.

“We’ve implemented what the ownership has set out so there’s nothing imporant to be expected (in January).

“This is a group of players that deserves respect, in all likelihood we’ll continue with this group.

“[Sporting director Piero] Ausilio is working on Eriksen and when something concrete comes up we’ll be the first to let you know.”

Marotta was a key man in Juventus’ revival as he helped the Bianconeri to establish an era of unprecedented Serie A dominance.

With that in mind, is this the game that means the most to the Inter CEO?

Marotta replied: “As I said before it’s a game that forms only part of the season but it’s important in terms of prestige.

“All our fans are waiting to celebrate and to see the team play a beautiful and effective game.

“There are still a lot of games to play though and often the slips come in games where you’re heavy favourites.

“Tonight the performance is important too.”

Antonio Conte has picked an experienced XI for tonight’s game and Marotta was asked what the Coach will be telling his players tonight.

“I don’t know,” he said.

“I can say that we as directors have been close to the team and we’ve seen a good intensity.

“I’m sure on our part we’ll play a great match and as for the rest it’s just talk which everyone already knows about.”