Inter CEO Beppe Marotta has made clear that Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi’s future is not going to depend on this evening’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg match against Benfica.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri executive emphasized that a single match cannot be decisive for important decisions about the future.

Inter are set to kick off one of the most important matches of their entire season in just a couple hours.

Given the significance of the match ahead of the team, anything less than a good performance and result would be a huge blow for the Nerazzurri.

This is especially the case considering that Inter have been on a woeful run of form of late, without a win in all competitions over the past half a dozen matches.

It had been reported after the Nerazzurri’s loss to Fiorentina in Serie A after the international break that Inzaghi could be given just three matches in which to save his job, concluding with this evening’s match at the Estadio da Luz.

Given that the Nerazzurri had drawn against both Benfica and Salernitana in the first of that sequence, the latter a particular disappointment, there could be one or two suggestions that Inzaghi is getting close to the end of his rope.

However, for his part Marotta has poured some cold water on speculation of this nature.

“One match can’t decide the future and the present,” the CEO emphasized.

“Inter are a club who always feel the pressure, there’s always a need to make a positive impression.”

“In the league we’ve fallen behind where we want to be, but we’ll try to get back on track,” Marotta continued.

Of what playing in the Champions League quarterfinals means to Inter, the CEO said that “It’s gratifying for us to make it this far, we haven’t been here for twelve years.”

He continued that “Our opponents are deserving of respect, but motivation will play a vital role.”

Of what he’s seen from the Nerazzurri’s squad, Marotta said that “They’re confident, the players look fired up to me.”

Asked if he is worried about the team’s recent form, the CEO replied that “The inconsistency has only been a problem in the league, although it’s only logical that a great team has to be consistent in all competitions.”

“We’re dealing with these problems and meanwhile in the cup competitions we’re doing well,” he added, “Inzaghi is a great coach and we’re confident that he can get us back on track in Serie A as well.”

Asked if there are any reasons for confidence ahead of this evening’s match, Marotta stressed that “The team has a lot of quality, and this is the group that, over the past two years has reached maturity with a number of experiences in Europe.”

“I have to be optimistic because our professionalism has never faltered, we’re up against a top side but we also have to show that we can keep up with them all the way and have an answer for everything they throw at us,” the CEO said.

Of this Benfica team, Marotta said that “In my opinion they’re a great team with a good sporting model.”

“They value young player, they do well when they sell them and they have the courage to let them play.”

“Portuguese football favors models of this kind,” Marotta continued.

“And given that they’ve elminated some top Italian teams in the past, we hope that we can put a stop to that trend,” he added.

“Reaching the next round would be a massive achievement against a very prestigious opponent, against whom Inter won their very first European Cup.”