Inter Milan President On Pope Francis Funeral Match Schedule Mess: “Postponing Roma Game Right Call, Thanks To Inzaghi & Players For Accepting To Play Sunday” | OneFootball

Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta hailed Serie A’s decision to postpone Saturday’s clash against Roma due to Pope Francis’ funeral.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri chief also previewed tonight’s match against AC Milan.

A place in the Coppa Italia is on the line as the San Siro rivals lock horns in the second leg of their evenly-poised semi-final tie.

Indeed, goals from Tammy Abraham and Hakan Calhanoglu left more than just bragging rights open for the taking.

While Inter pursue a historic treble, Milan must win their sixth cup title to avoid the ignominy of missing out on European football.

Therefore, Simone Inzaghi and Sergio Conceicao will be equally motivated to win tonight.

“We’re playing a city derby, and it has to be seen as such,” Beppe Marotta said.

“It’s an important match, close to a final that means a lot to us, but there are many dangers.

“The opponent is highly motivated, and we’ll need to match that motivation.”

Inter Milan President Beppe Marotta Confirms Postponement of Roma Game

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN – OCTOBER 22: Pope Francis talks to the team of FC Bayern Muenchen during an private audience in the Palace of the Vatican on October 22, 2014 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

The funeral of Pope Francis has forced Serie A’s hand.

Furthermore, the Italian Government banned all matches from being played on the day of the funeral.

Instead, Inter and Roma will meet on Sunday.

“First of all, this is an opportunity to renew our condolences for the noble figure of Pope Francis, who was close to the world of sports,” Marotta stated.

“I had the chance to share conversations with him about the values of sport, which reflect the values of society.

“I’d like to thank the coach and players who, despite having the 8:45 pm slot available, responded positively to our request to play on Sunday.

“Even with the upcoming match against Barca, this allows us to focus on more earthly matters.

“The calendar is very congested. We need to revisit it so that football can once again be a social example, with harmony of competition.

“We asked for a postponement because it was the right thing to do.

‘But we have a quick turnaround with the Barcelona match coming up, which is perhaps the most important fixture of the year.

“I believe all of Italian football could benefit from this.

“I think it’s the first time a team playing in a Champions League semi-final will play on a Sunday, but we’re doing it willingly.

“We looked into postponing the match further.

“But we understood that the calendar is too congested and there was no room to reschedule the game.”

Transfer Window

Despite constant talks Inter could return to be among the protagonists during the summer transfer window, Marotta has other plans.

“We’re not planning any overhauls because the squad is already competitive.

“We want to create value, and we’ll do that together with the ownership, who’ve provided clear guidance.

“But we won’t be making drastic changes to a squad that’s already strong.”