​APPIANO GENTILE – The 2026/27 season has officially begun as Inter return to the Appiano Gentile training center to kick off their summer preparations. Following last season’s triumphs in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, Cristian Chivu’s squad is now focused on their first competitive test of the new campaign, a home match against Monza scheduled for Saturday 22 August at 18:30 CEST. The traditional start-of-season press conference saw President and CEO Giuseppe Marotta join Chivu to address the media. Here is a summary of Marotta’s remarks.
“It’s a privileged moment for us to be here and to begin a new season. We are the reigning champions, having won both the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia. There is a deep sense of pride, built on a culture of hard work, the coach’s dedication, and the backing of the Club. I want to extend my thanks to Javier Zanetti, Piero Ausilio, Dario Baccin, the medical staff led by Piero Volpi, and everyone who supports the team.
We start again from zero with clear objectives. We’re the only Italian club competing in four competitions and we face major targets ahead. Our performance in the Champions League needs to improve. We were eliminated last season, but that’s part of the sport. In this competition you come up against powerhouses with substantial financial strength. We approach it with the work ethic and culture that set us apart. It’s not about spending the most; financial resources must be complemented by a successful model and the right mix of sporting and other factors.”
“No team has defended the Serie A title since 2020, so that remains our aim. Winning the Scudetto again would be a historic achievement. Having spent many years in sport, I know that you can suffer a victory hangover if you’re not careful. We must not become complacent, because indifference can prevent that extra push. This applies to every facet of the Club, not just the playing side. We must stay hungry.”
“Our owners entered a difficult period and have stood by us. With the settlement agreement behind us, we are now in a solid position. We are expanding our sporting facilities, investing more than €100 million in developments here and at Interello. We have operated within a clear framework and followed a model that can serve as a benchmark.”
“Our aims are ambitious and challenging, but we won’t place sole responsibility on the coach. What matters is that everyone gives their all. I’m confident that, thanks to the principles this team is built on and the sense of belonging shared by our champions, we will deliver. We are not shying away from our ambitions. It’s not enough to merely target a top-four finish; our aspirations reach higher.”
When I spoke about economic and financial sustainability, I was referring to sporting management. We have four players specified to be highlighted for better exposure and performance.