MILAN - Massimo Moratti spoke briefly to the press on the sidelines of Wednesday evening's presentation of a new book by Italian journalist Mario Sconcerti.
This is what he had to say:
Are you surprised by AC Milan's enthusiasm for their recent comeback, considering that the they were a long way behind Inter a few months ago?
"The team has surprised me. Milan are playing lively football and I suppose this pleases the Rossoneri fans, and the club most of all, and I'm pleased for the coach. But the antagonism remains so I hope to keep them at the right distance, but it's normal for them to be euphoric."
Juventus president Jean Claude Blanc said that Inter aren't superior to Juventus, apart from the points in the table...
"When you go on the pitch you try to feel on a par with your opponents, with the desire and the quality of your own men, and Blanc is doing the same thing. I think he's right to say this, but we will see what happens at the end of the championship."
CONI president Gianni Petrucci said that his support is mainly for the teams who have more Italian players in their squads. Do you feel you are drawn into this matter?
"Inter have three or four. We have a few so I hope Petrucci supports us a little too..."
Davide Santon's agent said today that his player will remain at Inter, but how would Moratti act if the player asks for more playing time?
"Santon doesn't do this because he's an intelligent boy and he knows that the coach is nurturing him gradually so he can give his best. Mourinho does the same thing with Balotelli because what we consider as disputes are in reality something to convince the boy to give his all because that's what you have to do at this age."
Are you surprised by Marcello Lippi, who has defended Balotelli and the young players?
"He said something different about the youngsters than all the others and I rather liked it because he stood out from the crowd."
Do you think José Mourinho's criticism helps Mario Balotelli grow or not?
"I think it helps him grow."
