Marotta: "Onwards with optimism"

MILAN - Ahead of kick-off in the match between Inter and Bologna, the Club’s Sport CEO GiuseppeMarotta spoke to Sky Sport. "In these days, we’ve heard a lot of gossip and unfounded news. Spalletti has clearly expressed some wise points which I also share. We’re third in the table, we only went out of the Coppa Italia on penalties so we’re looking ahead with optimism. Nobody can think about putting us on the chopping block." 

Marotta continued: "Perisic and Nainggolan as starters? I’m happy, the Coach sees them in training every day and obviously feels that they’re at their best. If Spalletti plays them, it means that they’ve shown that they deserve it. Their worth has never been under discussion. Perisic had some thoughts at the end of the transfer window, even if there was never a concrete offer. We can’t think about players who are club icons for years, they don’t exist anymore. Players are professionals who have a direct relationship with the Club. There’s nothing to hide, we listen to the requests of the players and they have to know that they have responsibilities to the Club and its history. I repeat, it was a normal situation in modern football. Ivan will show on the pitch that he knows how to respect our shirt."