Inter President Beppe Marotta insists Cristian Chivu was not ‘second choice’ behind Cesc Fabregas, while the club ‘decided not to sell some very strong players’ this summer.
It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“We start as with all years respecting the history and colours of this club,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.
“There are also very strong opponents challenging for the same targets. Napoli won the Scudetto last season, so they have to be considered the favourites starting the next campaign, while we want to give our best and win some trophies.”
Inter had to change strategy after Inzaghi
epa11294807 Inter’s coach Simone Inzaghi (R) and CEO Giuseppe Marotta celebrate after winning the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and FC Inter, in Milan, 22 April 2024. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO
The Nerazzurri made no secret of the fact they wanted to keep Simone Inzaghi on the bench even after ending last season empty-handed, but he left to take over at Al-Hilal.
Their search for a replacement went through Fabregas, but eventually settled on former Parma boss Chivu, although Marotta was adamant this framing was incorrect.
“We have a project at this club and Chivu fits very well within it,” the President told Sky Sport Italia.
“I heard all this talk of Fabregas being first choice, but that was not the situation. He was one of the names on the list, but Chivu was certainly not a second choice or someone we settled for.
“Chivu has a long history with Inter, both as a player, then as a coach for many years in our successful youth academy. He perfectly fit the profile of what we were looking for.”
PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta Chairman of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
It has been a tough transfer session for Inter, and Marotta could not deny that some deals didn’t go the way they wanted, but he again tried to look on the positive side too.
The last few months were dominated by the Hakan Calhanoglu give and go with Galatasaray, then the failure to convince Atalanta into selling Ademola Lookman.
“We decided not to sell some very strong players, then tried to find some opportunities on the market, but we cannot go overboard,” continued Marotta.
“Lookman was an opportunity, but Atalanta decided not to put him on the market, as is entirely their right. Then we tried to add some young players to this squad. We are planning the team that fits in with our plans.
“We lowered the average age of the squad and brought in some talented new players.”
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