Marotta on Conte's Serie A return and signing Bellingham

Inter Latest Latest Transfers News Newsnow

ByLorenzo Bettoni

Feb 6, 2024 09:14

Beppe Marotta feels many Serie A clubs need Antonio Conte and reveals he’d get Jude Bellingham if he had an unlimited transfer budget, but completing new signings ‘is more difficult when you have a lot of money.’

Marotta has built a solid bond with Conte over the years, having won four Serie A titles with the Italian tactician at the helm. Three times at Juventus and once at Inter.

Conte is currently without a club and has been tipped to return to Italy, with Milan and Napoli reportedly interested in securing his signature in 2024-25.

“Right now, Antonio Conte is a resource that many clubs would need,” Marotta said during an extended interview with DAZN.

“I hope he returns to Serie A, but I must mention Simone Inzaghi, he is improving so much as a coach, humanly and professionally. We are talking about a master who deserves enormous credit for these years of victories.

“The new cycle started with Luciano Spalletti and continued with Conte, with a group that has kept the same winning mentality. Inzaghi arrived with his light-heartedness, creating an enjoyable environment and a great rapport with players. There are merits of Conte, Spalletti and Inzaghi. There is a positive atmosphere in the dressing room, which is not only caused by results.”

Marotta also confirmed Inter are in talks with Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski, who could join the Nerazzurri on a free transfer next summer.

When asked who he’d sign with an unlimited transfer budget, Marotta replied: “There are many, but I must say one thing: it’s much more difficult when you have a lot of money available; when you don’t have, you need to find opportunities. I’d say Bellingham just because he entertains me, but I don’t want to name anyone.”

One big signing Marotta didn’t want to complete is Cristiano Ronaldo. The 66-year-old Italian director, in fact, also admitted that he didn’t want to sign the Portuguese ace at Juventus in 2018.