TMW Exclusive
Turnover of 473 million euros, with an increase in revenues of 48 million and a reduction in losses of approximately 50 million compared to 2022/2023. These are the main data of the budget project for the 2023/24 fiscal year approved yesterday by the Board of Directors ofInter and which will be submitted to the shareholders’ meeting at the end of October. To find out more, we reached Ernesto PaolilloNerazzurri CEO during the golden years of Moratti’s presidency: “These are undoubtedly positive data, they demonstrate the effort and determination carried forward by this management – he says to TMW – Marotta and Antonello above all. These results were possible thanks to the development of the commercial side and above all with the market operations carried out. The only thing to point out is that these results come because the team won: the coach and players must always be clear that, without adequate performances, certain economic results do not come”.
The new Oaktree ownership has recapitalized for a total of 47 million euros. How to read this move?
“Well, first of all, an injection of capital was needed. Two, it shows a desire to strengthen: limited if you like, but still strengthening. And third reason: it is also a signal to the fans”.
You know the funds very well. Is a long-term path conceivable?
“Absolutely not. I’m not talking about Oaktree, but any fund always has a medium-term perspective. A fund invests in a company, in any sector, and after a certain number of years it must sell to distribute any profits among its subscribers.”
We need to get used to a football with less and less “personal” ownership.
“I don’t see any other solutions. There are no more entrepreneurs, patrons or fans: it’s a completely changed world, football clubs are a business and the funds know how to do it well.”
He said that the coach and players must always remember that the economic results depend on their sporting achievements. Read the other way around, there is great merit to Inzaghi and his team in today’s data.
“Undoubtedly, because Marotta certainly didn’t win alone. The coach and the players on the field won: by fighting and committing themselves.”
Bitter taste for the lost derby… How did you experience it?
“It’s a derby that we deserved to lose, unfortunately. Let’s be careful: it can affect the season, because many things can come into play, from fear to anxiety. As a fan, one thing bothered me above all: seeing the Milan bus arrive, extremely focused, about 35/40 minutes before the Inter one. For games like this, you arrive at the stadium on time, with the right concentration. They are not routine games”.
I think he is of the opinion that Inter approached the match thinking they had won from the start.
“Well, at least with sufficiency. On the pitch everyone was very soft, they didn’t press much. I think about the first goal: Pulisic may be good, but he can’t cover all those meters overcoming all those players without someone trying to stop him, even with fouls, I find it absurd”.
You are a long-time admirer of Marotta. Do you fear that, given the difficulties and the upcoming federal elections, someone might tempt him with institutional roles?
“I have that fear. But it is mitigated by the fact that the choices in the federation have always been made for political reasons and for balance. A capable person like Marotta has never been put at the top. The danger is there, given that we are talking about a great manager. But I doubt that they finally want to focus on a capable person”.
Do you have an idea of how San Siro will end? For now we have lost the Champions League final 2027…
“In the meantime, it’s a huge sadness. I think we won’t see any news until the election of a new mayor and a new council. I’m not saying new because of a possible different political color, but because of the desire to decide that could follow the election. The indecisions have penalized the city, and I must also say the rather ambiguous attitudes of the two teams. We need to go decisively on a project and do it, if economically feasible. For now I’ve seen a lot of bla bla bla, but nothing concrete”.