Inter president hits back at Chiellini, defends Bastoni, calls for tougher sanctions, and recalls past controversies
The fallout from Inter–Juventus shows no sign of slowing down. Speaking on Monday at the Lega Serie A assembly, Beppe Marotta delivered one of his toughest public interventions yet, addressing the red-card controversy, the backlash against Alessandro Bastoni, and the fiery reactions from Juventus executives.
Marotta made it clear from the outset: Inter believe the reaction to Saturday’s episode at San Siro has gone far beyond reasonable debate.
“A Media Witch Hunt Against Bastoni”
Marotta acknowledged that Bastoni’s behavior in the incident with Kalulu was wrong, but firmly rejected the narrative that followed.
“Our position is very simple,” Marotta said. “There has been an absolutely disproportionate media reaction. Bastoni has been subjected to a witch hunt that goes well beyond what actually happened.”
The Inter president stressed the defender’s profile and history. “We’re talking about a 26-year-old player with over 300 Serie A appearances, who has never been involved in scandalous behavior. Some people are even questioning his future call-ups to the national team — that’s not criticism, that’s injustice.”
Marotta described the incident as “ordinary, not extraordinary,” noting that simulation has existed in football for decades. “It’s a condemnable exaggeration, yes,” he admitted, “but it was influenced by multiple factors: the arm movement of the Juventus player and the referee’s immediate whistle, which led to a wrong decision. That error has been acknowledged.”
Referees, VAR, and Past Grievances
Marotta also contextualized the controversy within a broader refereeing landscape, reminding everyone that Inter themselves have paid a price in recent seasons.
“This is the same refereeing class we had last year,” he said. “We lost a Scudetto after a clear penalty in Inter–Roma wasn’t given — later admitted as a mistake — which could have decided the title.”
He recalled only one previous official intervention by Inter. “I personally spoke out once, after Napoli–Inter, when a penalty decision shaped the match, just like the red card did on Saturday. That episode was later reviewed and shown to be incorrect.”
Tougher Penalties, More Dialogue
Rather than fueling further polemics, Marotta called for systemic change. “What happens in Italy also happens abroad,” he said. “The time has come for open discussion, without shouting, and possibly for harsher penalties — including financial ones — for everyone: executives, players, and coaches.”
He emphasized education and prevention over repression. “Bastoni acted against the principles of fair play. Fine. But repression alone doesn’t work. Prevention comes through dialogue, and right now that dialogue is missing.”
Marotta also criticized a general lack of rules knowledge. “The Players’ Association must also be involved. I see a worrying level of ignorance when it comes to regulations — and these are things professionals should know.”
Saviano and Legal Action
Asked about harsh comments made by writer Roberto Saviano, Marotta struck a colder tone. “On a personal level, I’m sorry. I don’t know him, he doesn’t know me, and I don’t even know what role he plays in football. But those statements will be evaluated by our lawyers.”
Chiellini: “Young and Inexperienced Executive”
Marotta also addressed the strong reaction from Giorgio Chiellini, now a Juventus executive.
“Of course I greeted him — that’s the minimum. He was my player,” Marotta said. “He’s a young and inexperienced executive. I won’t give him advice, but we did speak. What happened falls into dynamics that occur in locker rooms. It’s not for me to judge further.”
Before closing, Marotta reignited old wounds. “When people talk about simulations, I’d like to remind everyone of a clear dive by Cuadrado in 2021,” he said. “That helped Juventus qualify for the Champions League — worth €60–70 million.”
Another Chapter in an Endless Rivalry
Marotta’s words ensure that the Inter–Juventus controversy will remain front and center in Italian football discourse. What began as a refereeing mistake has now evolved into a broader battle over media responsibility, executive behavior, and the very culture of Serie A.
