Nesta on Inter rivalry and why Monza ‘never talked’ about Balotelli | OneFootball

Monza coach Alessandro Nesta insists they ‘never talked’ about the possibility of signing Mario Balotelli as a free agent, while he shrugs off rivalry with tomorrow’s opponents Inter.

It kicks off at the U-Power Stadium on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

They are in dire need of a boost after a difficult start to the season, which saw them play out draws against Empoli and Fiorentina around a home defeat to Genoa.

“Hopefully our season can start to take off from the game with Inter,” said Nesta in his press conference.

“The team is ready and we managed to get a few players back from injury too. I always want to win and didn’t like the way we handled the second half against Fiorentina. If Inter give us the slightest chance of hurting them, we have to take it.”

Nesta looks to the present for Monza

As a former Milan player, does Nesta or current player Daniel Maldini feel a special sense of rivalry when facing Inter?

“Even as a player I never had a problem with Inter, they always had great respect for me and vice versa. Daniel also realises this is just a media construct to create rivalry.”

There have been reports over the last few days that Balotelli wants a return to Italy and Monza could be the best suited, especially as their CEO is former Milan chief Adriano Galliani.

“We never talked about Balotelli,” assured Nesta.

“It’s difficult when there are free agents, because so many clubs are interested in them. If a new player arrives, he is very welcome, if not they we remain like this. We could’ve done better on the market, but also worse.”

Balotelli only turned 34 last month and has history with Monza, having already played for the club between December 2020 and July 2021.

He is a free agent after his contract with Turkish side Adama Demirspor was allowed to run down.