Marotta responds to Cardinale: ‘I hope one day they go on the journey we’ve been on’ | OneFootball

Inter President Beppe Marotta has had an opportunity to respond to a dig made by Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, claiming that he hopes the Rossoneri one day return to the top of the pack and ‘go on the journey we’ve been on over the last six years’.

Marotta on Inter’s domestic double and response to Cardinale dig

It is a day of celebration for Inter, who are playing their final home match of the season on Sunday evening and will be presented with the Serie A trophy after full-time. Afterwards, the squad and staff will embark on an open-top bus parade through the city to celebrate their Scudetto and Coppa Italia double.

“I feel a lot of excitement and happiness in moments like these, also for the 80,000 fans who are here to celebrate this extraordinary team led by an equally extraordinary coach,” Marotta said ahead of kick-off between Inter and Hellas Verona on Sunday.

Click here to follow the action from all of Sunday’s Serie A matches on the Football Italia Liveblog.

“The easiest thing was knowing that we had a group of serious professionals who would respond to our goals this year. The bravest and most difficult thing was the choice of the coach. I believe that a club has to have the courage to make these sorts of decisions without fear. We’ve made people aware of who Chivu is.”

ROME, ITALY – MAY 13: Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale celebrates after winning the Coppa Italia final match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

Marotta was also asked for his response to Milan’s Gerry Cardinale, who appeared to launch a dig at the Nerazzurri in a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he said: ‘You see, this (problem with Italian football) isn’t just about Serie A. It’s about not showing up to Champions League Finals and losing 5-0; it’s about competing seriously in Europe’.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In response, Marotta says: “So, I have two answers up my sleeve: One ironic and one serious.

“Today isn’t the time to argue, I hope that one day he will return to the top of Milano and go on the journey we’ve been on over the last six years. Nine titles, two Champions League finals and a Europa League final. I think it’s a prosperous path that won’t be forgotten. I’ll keep the ironic response for another day.”

Marotta also confirmed that he and Chivu will meet in the near future to discuss a contract extension.

“Yes, but I’d say it’s a formality,” Marotta confirmed. “Chivu is the present and the future of Inter. I’ve said it many times. He’s a very good coach and Inter have to stay close to him.”