Inter Milan President Slams Italy’s ‘Bureaucratic Slowness’ Over Stadium Projects & Adds ‘Record Profits Come From Abroad’ | OneFootball

Beppe Marotta has criticised Italy’s “bureaucratic slowness” and praised Inter Milan’s financial transformation after the historic acquisition of San Siro alongside AC Milan.

Speaking at the Football Business Forum at SDA Bocconi in Milan, the Inter president called the deal a “historic milestone” for both the city and Italian football.

However, he warned that systemic inertia continues to hold the country back.

“We’ve signed a historic agreement for Milan and Italian sport,” Marotta said, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“San Siro is a structure full of history and values, but it needed to be modernised. The signature is only the first step – perseverance is the key word. Dr. Ralph has closely monitored the process, as has Milan president Scaroni.

“We hope to have the new stadium ready within five years, ideally by Euro 2032. Across Europe, €15 billion has been invested in stadiums in recent years; in Italy, only three have been modernised. There’s too much bureaucratic slowness.”

Inter President Marotta: ‘New San Siro Benefits Everyone’

PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during 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)

The Inter president insisted that modern infrastructure benefits both clubs and communities, lamenting how Italy’s outdated systems have left domestic football lagging far behind.

“A new stadium would be a benefit for everyone,” he continued.

“Inter and Milan are now in foreign hands, which shows Italy can’t sustain an elite model on its own.

“What’s happening in Milan should make everyone reflect on our bureaucracy and how much slower we are than the rest of Europe.”

Marotta Praises Inter Milan Profits

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Marotta also discussed Inter’s first-ever positive balance sheet, attributing the success to the club’s sustainable management and international exposure.

“Inter closed its financial year in profit for the first time in its history,” Marotta explained.

“That didn’t happen by chance. The ownership was far-sighted, kept a winning management team in place, and followed a clear philosophy.

“Our results, including two Champions League finals and participation in the Club World Cup, show that competence and delegation are at the heart of our success.

“But remember, football is like a train – you can have the best managers in the world, but if you don’t win games, the economic results won’t follow.”

Marotta Slams ‘Transitional League’ Serie A Has Become

UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 08:Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale – Serie A TIM at Dacia Arena on April 08, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

He went on to outline how foreign ownership has reshaped Italian football, forcing clubs to prioritise sustainability and player trading.

“The old model of mecenatismo is gone,” Marotta noted.

“Big clubs must sell to survive. Italy has become a transitional league, players come, then move to the Premier League or Saudi Arabia.

“Even Modric arrived here at 40, which says it all. Our positive balance comes largely from revenues abroad: European competitions and the global market are what sustain us.”

Football Constantly Evolving – Marotta

UDINE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 18: Giuseppe Marotta, CEO for sport at FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Dacia Arena on September 18, 2022 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The Inter president closed with a personal reflection on how much the sport has changed during his 50-year career.

“I’ve seen football evolve from family ownerships to international corporations. Oaktree understood our needs: not only about stadiums but training centres too, investing €100 million to upgrade them.

“Respect, competence and delegation bring success. And above all, we must never forget: the core business of everything we do is football itself.”