Massimo Moratti speaks with confidence about the future of Inter in an interview with La Repubblica. The former Nerazzurri president sees the team as the favorite for the Scudetto, while acknowledging the balance of the single match against Roma. “It is fate that Roma is competitive when we are too. By now it’s a classic, like Inter-Juventus and Inter-Milan. In a single match it’s hard to say who will come out on top. Over the course of the season, though, I say Inter,” he states.

About Cristian Chivu, now at the helm of the Nerazzurri, Moratti speaks words of esteem. “Chivu is capable, has good sense, knows how to manage the team. He had a strong character, which he showed at the time of the head injury that almost killed him. I went to visit him in the hospital. He said he would be back soon, without complaining. A courageous man.”

The former Inter president appreciates Malen at Roma: “He moves well, sees the goal, interacts with Dybala.” What surprises him about Inter instead is “the strength of spirit. On Monday they were losing 2-0, but no one thought they could lose.” On tomorrow’s match, he expects “a beautiful game. We’re at the beginning, the teams aren’t too afraid of dropping points. And it can be valuable as training for the Champions, where you can’t afford to make silly mistakes.”

Regarding the meeting with Gian Piero Gasperini, he reveals: “We met, shook hands, hugged. I hold no grudge. Maybe he does, and it would be justified. It was an unlucky moment: we couldn’t win a match.” On José Mourinho, protagonist with Real Madrid against Inter, he observes: “He’s a master at setting up the match based on the opponent. He didn’t celebrate the goals, as an act of superiority. Small gestures that make him likable. He has character, like Spalletti.”

On the match at the Bernabéu, Moratti shows his annoyance: “It’s enough to make you angry: they were almost two own goals, first the ball lost by Jones, then the mistake by poor Martinez. It’s a shame, because the match had been well prepared.” Among his dearest memories he mentions the 2010 Coppa Italia final: “That’s obviously the best one. Very tough.”

The former president also recalls an episode from his youth: “I was fourteen, I was in Rome with my father. I dreamed about the match before it was played, and it went exactly as I had imagined.” He speaks with admiration about Diego Milito: “Milito is unbeatable. If they had been contemporaries, the two Argentinians would have been a formidable pair.” Among current players, he mentions Nicolò Barella and Federico Dimarco: “They would have competed for a spot in the treble-winning team.”

Moratti confirms he tried to sign Francesco Totti: “I told Sensi I wouldn’t make a fuss about the price. He replied that it wasn’t up for discussion. He behaved like a Romanista, not a businessman. From Roma I took Batistuta. He scored only one goal but I would do it again.” On his relationship with Piero Ausilio, he reveals: “Yes, I spoke to him the same day or the day after. He expected a longer contract: one year wasn’t enough for him. He was classy, without any resentment.”

On Beppe Marotta he comments: “Has he become an Interista? Only he knows. For sure he’s a great professional, and as Inter fans we can only be happy about it.” He concludes with a memory linked to San Siro: “Among the memories, I choose the first derby won as president, with a goal by Berti at the end. San Siro has a meaning for the city. A certain gratitude, even if we’re talking about a building, is necessary. Emotionally, I understand those who are against its demolition.”

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