Marotta: ‘Inter have strong mentality, just verbal jousting with Conte’

Inter President Beppe Marotta shrugs off the ‘verbal jousting’ with Napoli coach Antonio Conte and praises Cristian Chivu for improving their ‘mentality.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The title race went down to the wire last season between these two sides, and it seems to be heading in a similar direction, especially after Milan were held to back-to-back draws by Genoa and Fiorentina.

There was tension the last time these teams met, plus Antonio Conte and Marotta trading public barbs in the following months.

“I already said hello to Conte in the changing room, we are two fair people who worked together for many years. We might have different viewpoints, but this verbal jousting is part of the football world and it happens when there are teams challenging at the top of the table,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.

The Nerazzurri are in top spot after six consecutive Serie A victories, but the 3-1 loss at the Stadio Maradona in October was an example of them fumbling points in the big games.

“I think in modern football the mentality is a very important element of the game, so that will come into play tonight too. We are at the top of the table and are in a strong period of form, which is thanks to Chivu,” noted Marotta.

“We as a club have the duty to support him in his work, and we did that by staying close to him, having daily meetings. The fans also showed great support and affection.”

Denzel Dumfries, Matteo Darmian, Josep Martinez and Raffaele Di Gennaro are out of action.

The transfer window is open, but Inter do not seem particularly active after losing target Joao Cancelo to Barcelona.

“The club must always act in unison with the coach. Naturally, a coach cannot know all the players around the world, but we can help outline the necessary profiles. We have a deep squad ready to fulfil the requirements of the season, our only issue is the long-term injury for Dumfries.

“We are looking around to see if we can fill that gap, but it’s honestly difficult at this time of the season to find someone suitable who is of Inter level,” concluded the President.