Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta expects a well-balanced Champions League group while also commenting on recent transfer links.

The 66-year-old attended the UCL group stage draw at Monte Carlo. The Nerazzurri landed in Group B alongside Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg and Real Sociedad.

Unlike last season, Inter’s group doesn’t contain bona fide giants like Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Nevertheless, Marotta expects a tough and well-balanced group.

“I’m always optimistic and smiling because I represent a great club like Inter,” said the Nerazzurri CEO in his interview with Sport Mediaset via FcInter1908.

“Everything depends on us. Our destiny is in our hands, feet and brains. This is a balanced draw for sure”

“We’ve been enjoying a positive path. Five years ago we were 80th in the UEFA rankings. Today, we are eighth.

“We have climbed many positions thanks to everyone’s work, including Simone Inzaghi who led to the final last season.

“I am very confident, Inter have regained their rightful place amongst the elite. We want to maintain our values while remaining competitive. This is what we and the fans want.”

“This year’s group is different in terms of characteristics compared to last year. Inzaghi’s experience over the last two years has helped the team grow.

“The individuals have improved, they have learned what it means to win, We can be proud of them.”

Inter Milan CEO Beppe Marotta Credits Simone Inzaghi For The Team’s Improving European Results

Regarding the transfer market, Inter are reportedly considering late swoops for Tottenham Hotspur outcast Tanguy Ndombele and Sassuolo’s Maxime Lopez.

For his part, Marotta left the door open for an arrival, revealing that the club would pounce on the right opportunity.

“We’re trying to meet the coach’s requests and bolster a squad that is already competitive.

“It is also a value not to give in to the flattery of other clubs. Some of our own players received tempting offers this year, but the ownership and ourselves rejected it.

“We managed to confirm very important players. There is one transfer day left and we will try to seize market opportunities until tomorrow evening.

“We are evaluating some situations, I don’t want to delude myself. We are working, and we’re very active.

“I spoke with [Sporting director Piero] Ausilio a few minutes ago. We have very clear ideas, he is working very well. Tomorrow we will know the final fate of the market.”

Beppe Marotta Leaves The Door Open For An Additional Summer Arrival At Inter Milan

Finally, Marotta admitted that Romelu Lukaku’s arrival at AS Roma took him by surprise.

The Belgian finalized a move to the Italian capital following a troublesome summer that saw his rapport with the Nerazzurri deteriorate.

“I didn’t imagine he’ll join Roma. Our world is a barnum, it’s normal to have situations that suddenly vanish and appear.

“It’s the beauty of football and sport. The fact that Lukaku came to Italy makes our league even more interesting after it risked decaying in light of what is happening in Saudi Arabia.

“But we are very proud of the squad we have. Our offensive department is very strong.”