Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has addressed speculation linking the club with a move for Atalanta defender Matteo Palestra, while also confirming the imminent contract renewal of assistant coach Cristian Chivu. Speaking at the Serie A calendar draw event, Marotta acknowledged Palestra’s talent but downplayed a direct link to Inter, according to reports from Italian media.
Palestra, who recently impressed while on loan at Cagliari, has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Inter. Marotta stated that while the departure of Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid is a possibility, any approach for Palestra remains in a preliminary stage. He emphasized Inter’s status as a major international club, obligated to pursue the highest level of competition, and acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player like Dumfries should he depart.
Dumfries’ potential move to Real Madrid was also mentioned by Marotta, suggesting the club is aware of the possibility of needing to fill the right-back position. However, he was careful not to confirm any concrete interest in Palestra, stating the player is “on everyone’s lips” but linking him directly to Inter felt “forced.”
Turning to internal matters, Marotta confirmed that Inter have exercised their buyback clause for goalkeeper Filip Stankovic, following a successful season. He highlighted the club’s strategy of acquiring young players with potential for both sporting and financial growth. He also confirmed Pepo Martinez will remain as the club’s goalkeeper, leaving the decision on his role as starter to the coach.
Perhaps the most definitive news from Marotta’s address concerned Cristian Chivu. The Inter assistant coach, who played a key role in the club’s Serie A and Coppa Italia double-winning season, will have his contract extended beyond its current 2027 expiry date. Marotta stated an agreement has been reached and the renewal will be officially announced shortly, expressing mutual satisfaction and anticipating a positive reaction from the club’s supporters.
