Inter CEO Beppe Marotta has praised FIGC President Gabriele Gravina for the decision to pardon striker Romelu Lukaku’s suspension for this evening’s Coppa Italia clash against Juventus.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset ahead of the semifinal second leg match, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri CEO commended the FIGC (Italian FA) President’s decision and also gave his thoughts ahead of the match against the Bianconeri.
Lukaku had initially been suspended for this evening’s match after receiving two yellow cards during the first leg earlier this month, even having the suspension upheld by the FIGC’s court of appeals.
However, in the end FIGC President Gravina intervened personally to lift the Belgian’s suspension by issuing an executive pardon.
The context for Gravina’s decision was the racism scandal which saw Lukaku racially abused by a “majority” of Bianconeri fans in the stand that the striker celebrated in front of, according to FIGC investigators.
The FIGC President evidently felt that the mitigating circumstances made it valid to take the unusual step of overturning a suspension that had come for two yellow cards rather than a straight red, and that it was necessary to make a statement against racism.
“Gravina’s decision was a very wise one,” Marotta argues, “it’s a decision within the sporting realm, but at the same time I think there are certain ethical and sporting rules that everyone involved must abide by.”
As for why Lukaku doesn’t start this evening despite being available, the Inter CEO said that “The decisions that are up to the coach have to be respected.”
“He judges on the basis of performance over the last few days in training.”
“Beyond that, we have to consider that there may be extra time, so it’s only natural for the coach to manage the players carefully.”
“If he started from the beginning, he would have a different role, but he’s a professional and even if he comes on as a substitute I’m sure he’ll do well in his role and give his all,” he said of Lukaku.
Of the Nerazzurri’s season to date, Marotta said that “It’s certainly a season that we’ve experienced to the fullest, we’re in the latter stages of two cup competitions.”
“Then there’s still something positive to take away from the league, where the Scudetto is deservedly going to Napoli, but we’re still in the mini-league to qualify for the Champions League, which is important for the club and its prestige.”
“On the whole, the balance is positive,” the Inter CEO said of the team’s season.
Of the relationship with coach Simone Inzaghi, Marotta said that “We have a fully trusting relationship with our coach.”
“Inzaghi is doing a good job, there’s this inconsistency to the league results, but the season needs to be evaluated in its entirety.”
“We still have a path back to recover in the league over the last few months, and taking the season as a whole, Inzaghi’s work has been positive,” he added.
And asked if he’s aware of any problems with the management of ticket sales for the Champions League semifinal tie against AC Milan, Marotta replied “That’s news to me.”
“I don’t know how any collaborators are managing things, but we’re doing everything to put ourselves at the disposal of the fans and their needs, and at the same time be in compliance with all relevant regulations.”
