Inter’s Marotta Reflects on Champions League Challenges Ahead of Feyenoord Clash
Inter President Beppe Marotta highlighted the club’s learnings from previous Champions League challenges as they prepare to face Feyenoord. Mauro Icardi, previously a key player, is not in Inter’s plans, according to Marotta, who confirmed they are not actively seeking a fifth striker.
The match kicks off at the Stadion De Kuip in Rotterdam at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
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So far, the season has posed challenges for the Nerazzurri, especially in the Champions League following losses to Real Madrid and Club Brugge, coupled with a narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk while they were down to ten men.
Recently, they faced their first Serie A defeat of the season, losing the Derby della Madonnina 3-1 to Milan on Saturday evening.
Marotta Stands Up for Inter’s Record
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Giuseppe Marotta, President of Internazionale, acknowledges the fans before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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“Winning the Champions League is certainly a goal for everyone involved, and despite great achievements like winning the Scudetto, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa Italiana, this squad is yet to reach that mark,” noted Marotta on Sky Sport Italia.
“We have gained valuable insights from our previous setbacks, and we look forward to overcoming the hurdles that lie ahead.”
Inter finds themselves three points behind Serie A leaders Lazio after the recent defeat to Milan. Nevertheless, the current champions of both the Serie A and Coppa Italia remain favorites for the title.
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 13: Cristian Chivu, Manager of FC Internazionale Milano, points during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Club Brugge KV at Stadio San Siro on October 13, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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“In our daily discussions, the team, coach, and club maintain a very positive atmosphere with no disruptive elements,” Marotta said.
“While we can experience wins or losses, it’s essential to recognize that Inter has lost only three of its last 40 Serie A matches, all at the hands of Milan.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale celebrates his goal during the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
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Recent news confirmed that Inter has activated a clause to extend Federico Dimarco’s contract for one additional season. However, discussions for a more permanent arrangement with other players, including Hakan Calhanoglu, are still pending.
“We are not experiencing any stress; many clubs are in a similar position,” reassured the president.
“Calhanoglu is the only player currently facing contract expiration, but we maintain a strong relationship with him. Dimarco is a dedicated Inter supporter, and we are pleased to exercise this one-year extension. In the coming months, we hope to have further discussions about a longer contract, aligned with his desire to remain with the club.”
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 26: Mauro Icardi of FC Internazionale claps the hands during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Empoli FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 26, 2019 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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In light of a flu outbreak affecting the squad, Inter faces a shortage of strikers. With Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny sidelined during the derby and Lautaro Martinez injured, Marcus Thuram remains as the sole forward option.
Responding to rumors that free agent Icardi had offered himself for a return to the club, Marotta confirmed, “I don’t know who he proposed himself to, but we haven’t heard anything from him.”
“Icardi was an important player for Inter, however, he is not included in our future plans, nor are we searching for a fifth striker. It’s unusual that all absences occurred in the same area of the team, but we have no issues in scoring, as we are among the most effective attacking sides in Italy.
“Cristian Chivu is an innovative coach who knows how to maximize player performance.”
