Inter Milan Vs Cagliari – Nerazzurri President ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ About Scudetto Chances, Admits Admiration For Serie A Starlet | OneFootball

Giuseppe Marotta adopted the language of cycling to describe Inter Milan’s current position in the Scudetto race ahead of Friday’s clash with Cagliari, and the metaphor was as precise as it was vivid, declaring the Nerazzurri are in the final kilometre with the pink jersey, the finishing line in sight but the race emphatically not over, whilst praising the visitors’ on-loan star Marco Palestra.

The Inter president spoke to Sky Sport pitchside before kick-off, covering the title race, the development of young Italian talent and the contract situation of head coach Cristian Chivu.

His mood was measured and confident, the manner of a man who has navigated this terrain before and knows exactly how to speak without tempting fate.

On the Scudetto, Marotta was careful with his words, via FCInter1908.

“Very cautious but also very optimistic. We are in the final kilometre with the pink jersey and we can see the finishing line, but there are still points available and we are not doing calculations.”

He was equally clear about the mentality required.

“We must repeat the performance at Como. And we know that every match is an important challenge because opponents multiply their motivations when they face us. So we must have maximum respect for the opponent while being aware of our own abilities.”

Inter Milan Vs Cagliari – Marotta Praises Palestra As A Talent But Acknowledges Atalanta’s Ownership

The question about Marco Palestra, Cagliari’s standout performer this season and one of Inter’s primary summer targets, prompted one of Marotta’s most interesting responses of the evening.

He was admiringly candid about the wing-back’s quality while carefully navigating the transfer sensitivity.

“People talk a lot about the crisis of Italian talent, about the national team not producing important values, but Palestra is a talent with a great future ahead of him.

“He is currently producing excellent performances and it is not easy to get there, because you have to know how to manage the important moments. I am proud as an Italian director and a national team supporter.”

He then added the necessary caveat. “But he belongs to Atalanta and it is right that Atalanta keep him close.”

On the broader philosophy of squad building, Marotta was pragmatic and principled.

“You cannot win with a team of only young players, you must mix them with experience and mentality.

“We must be good at pursuing sustainability while achieving the objective of winning with both young players and experienced ones.

“That is the compromise we must follow. And we must create a solid core of Italian players.”

Finally, on Chivu’s contract, which expires in a year, Marotta was relaxed and warm.

“The contractual aspect today is a formality. He has demonstrated he is at the level of Inter and is one of the best young coaches on the European scene.”

A quiet but emphatic endorsement of the man who may be about to win the club their 21st Scudetto.