Inter legend Marco Materazzi has spoken in length with Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of tonight’s Derby Della Madonnina and firstly discussed the need for togetherness at Inter.

“The Nerazzurri jersey is like a suit of armour. In these situations, the squad has to stick together. If you are not standing side by side, the Milanisti will come and tear you to shreds.

“Milan have got a real pitbull on the bench in Gennaro Gattuso, but I mean that in a good way. I always cheer on Gattuso, but not today…”

Materazzi then shared his thoughts on the arrival of Giuseppe ‘Beppe’ Marotta in recent months.

“The club has gone through a few different hands and it’ll take a little time for the new leaders to study and take action. Marotta inherited bits and pieces from different plans and is trying to put the puzzle together.

“Inter have chosen one of the best directors in Italy with Marotta and his history speaks for itself.

“I tried putting myself in his shoes at the 94th minute of Fiorentina-Inter and I had to smile, because I don’t think he was used to it. That is part of the Inter history, you learn to swallow a lot of unpleasantness.”

He then gave his opinion on the ongoing saga between Mauro Icardi and the club.

“I can’t really get into it too much, because I don’t know the dynamics of what happened. However, for the good of Inter, for what Icardi has done for the club and putting aside everything that has happened, I’d like to see him return, score and take Inter back to where they belong.

“I don’t think it’s ever too late to clear the air. We mustn’t carry bitterness, nor live in the past. I tried to leave my problems at home and I still do. On the other hand, I do understand that Wanda has to do her job.”

He concluded by speaking on new captain Samir Handanovic and Andrea Ranocchia.

“The captain’s armband has been given to goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, although Andrea Ranocchia has taken on the role of unofficial dressing room captain.

“Handanovic doesn’t talk much, but his teammates do listen to him. The armband is just a piece of cloth, as the real one is given to you by the players if you are a leader.

“Ranocchia cares, he always has a word for his teammates and is ready when needed, despite being insulted so much over the years. He deserves credit for that, even if he’s not exactly Cristiano Ronaldo quality.”