Inter CEO Beppe Marotta discussed the Nerazzurri’s season, their second-place finish and other transfer targets in an interview with Italian broadcaster DAZN immediately after the Nerazzurri’s win over Atalanta.

First, he discussed how it feels to finish one point behind winners Juventus, who finished on 83 points.

“A strange feeling, because it’s been a difficult year for us too. We earned some positive statistics, from the best defense to away wins to the same points as the Treble winning season.

“We have to give credit to everyone, from the technical area with Gabriele Oriali, Piero Ausilio and Dario Baccin to coach Antonio Conte, with the support of the entire club. A reason of great pride.”

The Nerazzurri CEO touched on what the squad are missing.

“It’s difficult to analyze now in an objective way, but from the experience of having dropped points we’ve learned a lot. We’ve now seen an experienced team that doesn’t concede goals for four games.

“These negative experiences will become great qualities for the future.”

Marotta commented on what the goals for next season are for the Milanese club.

“The goal is to grow, which means eliminating mistakes and raising the bar in terms of quality. Conte’s work has been seen, so we need to increase the decisiveness in order to make our fans even more satisfied.”

The Italian executive touched on the Nerazzurri’s current transfer targets.

“I stress that this squad deserves praise for their values, it’s not easy to improve a good team. We’ll seize the opportunities but it’s not easy to seize the ones that make the difference, it’s difficult to improve a team of the highest value.”

He confirmed that the idea of signing Barcelona star Lionel Messi was a fantasy.

“Certainly, it’s right to respect that. He will certainly continue at Barcelona, we called it a game and so let’s play it.”

Finally, Marotta commented on whether the Nerazzurri would be there waiting should Messi decide to leave the Blaugrana.

“We must seize opportunities, I don’t know if this one will appear!”

Inter finish the season with 82 points, one point behind winners Juventus in second place. The Milanese club are working to improve the squad this summer in order to close the gap with the Bianconeri and fight for next season’s league title. The Nerazzurri’s next game is against Spanish side Getafe in the Europa League next week.