ROME - Marco Fassone spoke to Enrico Varriale of "Novanta Minuti Talk" ahead of Roma v Inter, live tonight on Rai1 (kick-off 20:45).
The Nerazzurri managing director focused particularly on issues relating to matters off the pitch, beginning with the recent appointments at the Lega Calcio. The feeling is of a "wasted opportunity in terms of modernisation", although the suggestion remains that, in spite of what's happened, Italian football can be forward-thinking: "I hope so, we all hope so, when 14 clubs make a decision all you can do is respect their wishes, even though the fact that 6 clubs are out is a missed opportunity. These six clubs believed in the need for change, reform, to escape the quicksand which has had an impact on results on the pitch, besides simply off it. Apart from Roma, clubs like Inter, Juventus and Sampdoria have presidents who are second or third generation, key players and innovators like Angelomario Moratti, our vice president. Like Agnelli. Like Garrone, who we're closer to than ever. I hope it's not a missed opportunity and that whoever's in charge does something to relaunch our football."
Fassone was then asked if there was an update regarding Inter's stadium project: "We really want to build one. If the law on stadia were not to go through in the short term - we are still meeting all the criteria for a stadium, in terms of location, planning permission etc - we can't think of completion until 2017 or 2018."
Finally his thoughts turned to the team, in action tonight in "a big game in every sense. We sometimes hear that the Coppa Italia is just a second-rate trophy but that's not the case. The Coppa Italia has an important role in terms of prestige and finance, and we will give everything. I hope it's a good match."
