Inter President Marotta hits back at Juventus and ‘inexperienced’ Chiellini
Inter President Beppe Marotta feels Alessandro Bastoni has been subject to ‘excessive media exposure’ and hits back at Juventus, saying that a ‘clear simulation’ of Juan Cuadrado in 2021 allowed the Bianconeri to beat the Nerazzurri and qualify for the Champions League.
The controversy surrounding Inter-Juventus and a red card shown to Pierre Kalulu on Saturday is far from over.
Inter President Marotta spoke to reporters on Monday ahead of a Lega Serie A meeting in Milan, saying (via Calciomercato.com): “I’m here because we have fought against excessive media exposure, a public shaming of Bastoni that goes beyond what actually happened. A young man who represents an asset for our national team, it is unfair to put his participation in doubt.
“Who doesn’t make mistakes? Since the 1950s, there have been players, no names mentioned, famous for actions like this. We are facing, in my view, an ordinary event, not an extraordinary one. Reprehensible, but also due to other circumstances, such as the wide arm,” Marotta continued.
Marotta recalls referee mistake that qualified Juventus for Champions League
“Last season, we lost the Scudetto by one point, and there was a confirmed error in Inter-Roma, but we didn’t protest. This season, Inter have only intervened once, after Napoli-Inter, where a penalty kick, later deemed unfair, had been given.”
Italian media already reported that Inter felt Juventus’ reaction was blown out of proportion, a view strongly confirmed by Marotta.
“If we talk about simulations, I want to remember Juventus-Inter in 2021 and a penalty given despite a clear simulation from Cuadrado with Calvarese as a referee,” he said.
“Afterwards, both the referee and the technical bodies confirmed it had been an obvious simulation, and with that win, Juventus qualified for the Champions League, which is worth €60-70m.”
Marotta admitted that Bastoni’s simulation against Juventus was against the principles of fair play, and also called for stronger sanctions.
“We need to take responsibility: AIA, clubs and FIGC, all institutions,” he added.
Marotta on Chiellini and Bastoni
“We need to engage in a broad and calm discussion, toughening disciplinary penalties, especially financial ones. Too often, things go beyond the line, and that is unacceptable. Bastoni’s gesture does not align with the principles of fair play. Repression is not part of my approach. Prevention, however, is possiblethrough dialogue. There is often a lack of knowledge of the rules, which players in particular should be familiar with.”
Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini was particularly critical of the officiating as he and Damien Comolli showed up in front of the media after the match on Saturday night, while coach Luciano Spalletti remained silent.
Marotta had greeted Chiellini at San Siro, but didn’t seem impressed by the ex-defender’s claims.
“It was the least I could do as he was one of my players,” he concluded, via Gazzetta.
“Today, he’s a young and inexperienced director, but I do not dare give him suggestions.”