Marotta: ‘Optimistic for Thuram, Inter can reproach nothing’ | OneFootball

Inter President Beppe Marotta is ‘optimistic’ Marcus Thuram will recover for the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona and insists ‘we can reproach nothing’ even if Simone Inzaghi ends empty-handed.

It kicks off at San Siro at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT, 15.00 CET).

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

This fixture was originally scheduled for Saturday, but had to be moved because a national day of mourning was announced for the funeral of Pope Francis.

Marotta hails Inter campaign

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 16: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale celebrates with teammate Federico Dimarco following their victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Bayern München at San Siro on April 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This has been a very difficult seven days for Inter, who lost to Bologna and were caught at the top of the Serie A table, then crashed out of the Coppa Italia with Wednesday’s 3-0 semi-final defeat to Milan.

“The state of mind is of a squad that is aware it is playing an important role in this season,” assured Marotta on DAZN.

“Today this is a tough test in a moment where the mentality plays a particularly important part.”

Squad rotation is limited ahead of the Champions League semi-final with Barcelona on Wednesday, because Alessandro Bastoni and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are suspended, with Thuram, Piotr Zielinski and Denzel Dumfries not fully fit.

There were reports today that Thuram would not be able to recover in time to feature in Barcelona on Wednesday.

“He is recovering slowly, but I am very optimistic and am convinced he will make it for Wednesday,” insisted Marotta.

While they were in the running for the Treble a few days ago, now Inter face up to the potential of ending the season empty-handed.

Nonetheless, the President stands up for Simone Inzaghi and the players.

“We can reproach nothing to these lads and this coach, because this is one of the most difficult seasons in recent years.

“We can only thank them with our hearts, I am sure we will enjoy many more satisfying moments together. We must free our minds to bring home a positive result.”