Marotta warning for Inter: ‘Worth more than 3 points against Juventus’

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – MAY 04: Giuseppe Marotta, Sports CEO of FC Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A TIM match between US Sassuolo and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on May 04, 2024 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Inter President Beppe Marotta warns the Derby d’Italia against rivals Juventus ‘is worth more than three points,’ as they launch Manuel Akanji for his debut.

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

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

The Nerazzurri are already feeling the pressure after a surprise home loss to Udinese, which was even more unexpected considering their dominant 5-0 victory over Torino.

“I always talk to Cristian Chivu, he has a lot of experience as a player, so is accustomed to the pressure, he doesn’t need my advice,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.

“This is the Derby d’Italia and therefore is worth more than just the three points. I hope it can be a show that displays the best of Italian football with emotion and spectacle.”

Marotta overseeing renovation of Inter squad

Manuel Akanji arrived on transfer deadline day from Manchester City and is thrown straight into the starting XI, replacing Yann Bisseck.

“Our directorial team is very good at identifying the right players. We are also eager to lower the average age of the squad, as Petar Sucic and Francesco Pio Esposito for example can have better chances to develop.”

Although there is a bitter rivalry between these clubs, Marotta made the unusual step of moving from Juventus to Inter, going from director general to President.

“My previous adventures enriched me with experience and competence, I can never forget my time spent in Turin,” he noted.

“But today I am the President of Inter, who I love, just as I love my work and these club colours. We have done fairly well, but it is not sufficient, we’ve got to keep going.

“It has been a difficult start to the season, but we must try to give joy to our splendid fans.”