Milan, Italy – In a revealing press conference held at Appiano Gentile, Giuseppe “Beppe” Marotta, the esteemed President of Inter Milan, provided a comprehensive overview of the club`s strategic direction, upcoming transfer market maneuvers, and the foundational principles under the new Oaktree Capital ownership. Joined by Christian Chivu, the newly appointed coach, Marotta addressed the burning questions on every Nerazzurri fan`s mind, skillfully blending ambition with pragmatic reality.
The Lookman Pursuit: A Week to Decide
The spotlight, as expected, fell heavily on the ongoing pursuit of Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. Marotta, with his characteristic blend of directness and subtle negotiation tactics, declared this week to be “decisive.” “Lookman is a suitable profile, but he is not the only one,” Marotta stated, adding that a conclusion with Atalanta is expected within “two to three days.” The implication is clear: Inter has a timeframe, and while they hold Atalanta in high regard, they won`t be held hostage in protracted negotiations. It`s a classic Marotta move, signalling both strong interest and an unwavering commitment to financial discipline. The ball, it seems, is now firmly in Atalanta`s court, a rather public display of poker in the high-stakes world of Italian football transfers.
“I think it`s the decisive week. Lookman is a suitable profile, but he is not the only one. Within 2-3 days, we will reach a conclusion to the discussion with Atalanta. If the conditions are right, good; otherwise, we will make a different choice.”
Youth and Long-Term Vision: The Oaktree Imperative
Beyond immediate transfer targets, Marotta elaborated on Inter`s long-term strategic shift under Oaktree. A significant point of discussion was the rumor linking Inter to Giovanni Leoni, the promising 19-year-old central defender from Parma. Marotta unequivocally denied any active negotiations, asserting, “We have not started any negotiations with Parma. Leoni would be useful to many clubs, but our priority is different.” This statement reinforced Inter`s commitment to internal youth development, with Marotta proudly citing Pio Esposito from their own academy as an example. The new model, championed by Oaktree, is clear: lower the average age of the squad, invest in young talent, and incrementally increase the club`s asset value. This isn`t just about financial health; it`s about building a sustainable dynasty, one where homegrown talent isn`t just a feel-good story but a core component of the squad.
Oaktree, described by Marotta as “present and silent,” seems to be fostering an environment of stability and strategic investment. New funding has been allocated for training facilities at Appiano Gentile and the youth sector at Interello, underlining the ownership`s genuine commitment to the club`s infrastructure and future. It’s a refreshing departure from the flamboyant, often volatile, ownership models seen elsewhere, replaced by a quiet, business-like approach.
Squad Stability and Unwavering Ambition
Despite the constant churn of transfer rumors, Marotta emphasized the fundamental strength of the current squad. “We have confirmed all the players who made us protagonists, and this is important,” he stated, countering any narratives of an exodus of key players. The message is simple: Inter has retained its champions, a fact often overshadowed by the relentless transfer market gossip. This stability, coupled with strategic youth investments, is designed to propel Inter towards even greater heights.
Marotta proudly recounted Inter`s recent achievements: the most successful club in Italy in recent years, leading in points, Champions League group stage appearances, and finals played. “A historic achievement,” he declared, lamenting only being “one centimeter” short of winning the league last season. This slight miss, he asserted, is a gap they are determined to close. The goal remains unequivocally to win, blending past success with future aspirations.
Chivu`s Appointment and the Under 23 Project: Forging the Future
Addressing the appointment of Christian Chivu as coach, Marotta directly tackled the speculation that Chivu was a “second choice.” He clarified that the club sought a specific profile, one deeply familiar with Inter`s environment, society, and players. Chivu, having successfully coached in the youth sector, fits this mold perfectly. It`s a choice that reflects the club`s broader strategy of promoting from within and leveraging institutional knowledge, rather than always chasing big names.
The establishment of Inter`s Under 23 team, now competing in Serie C Group A under new coach Stefano Vecchi, is a cornerstone of this youth-centric strategy. Marotta proudly referred to the U23 team as a “talent forge,” a direct pipeline for future first-team players. With Baccin as the responsible figure and Andrissi as the sporting director, the project aims to integrate the U23 team`s training closer to the senior squad within a couple of years, fostering a seamless transition for emerging talent.
Expanding Horizons: The Women`s Team
Finally, Marotta extended the club`s ambitious vision to the women`s team, announcing their participation in the Champions League preliminaries for the first time. This marks another significant step in Inter`s holistic growth, demonstrating a commitment to excellence across all facets of the club. The positive balance sheet, he noted, reflects the overall health and forward momentum of the entire Inter organization.
In essence, Beppe Marotta painted a picture of an Inter Milan that is ambitious yet fiscally responsible, focused on immediate triumphs while meticulously building for a sustainable future. The transfer market, the youth system, and even the women`s team are all pieces of a meticulously crafted mosaic, designed not just for fleeting glory, but for lasting dominance.
