Beppe Marotta has criticized Italy’s “slow bureaucracy” and praised Inter Milan’s financial transformation following the historic takeover of San Siro, along with AC Milan.
Speaking at the Football Business Forum at the SDA Bocconi in Milan, the Inter president said the deal was a “historic milestone” for both the city and Italian football.
But he warned that institutional inertia continues to hold the country back.
“We have signed an historic agreement for Milan and Italian sport,” Marotta said, via FCInterNews.
“San Siro is a building full of history and values, but it needed to be modernized. The signing is only the first step. The key word is patience. Dr. Ralf, like Milan president Scaloni, has been monitoring the process closely.”
“We want to have the new stadium completed within five years, ideally by Euro 2032. €15 billion has been invested in stadiums across Europe in recent years, but in Italy only three stadiums have been modernized. There is too much bureaucratic slowness.”
Inter president Marotta: “The new San Siro will benefit everyone”
The Inter president insisted that modern infrastructure would benefit both clubs and local communities, and lamented that Italy’s outdated system had left domestic football far behind.
“The new stadium will benefit everyone,” he continued.
“Inter and Milan are now in foreign hands, which shows that Italy cannot sustain the elite model on its own.
“What’s happening in Milan should make everyone reflect on our bureaucracy and how far behind we are compared to other parts of Europe.”
Marotta praises Inter Milan’s profits
Marotta also noted Inter’s first-ever positive balance sheet, attributing its success to the club’s sustainable management and international exposure.
“Inter ended the fiscal year in the black for the first time in its history,” Marotta explained.
“It was no accident. The owners were visionary, maintained a winning management team and followed a clear philosophy.
“Our achievements, including two Champions League finals and appearances in the Club World Cup, show that talent and representation are central to our success.
“But remember, football is like a train. You can have the best manager in the world, but if you don’t win games, there will be no economic results.”
Marotta says this is what the “transitional league” Serie A has become
He went on to outline how foreign ownership has reshaped Italian football, forcing clubs to prioritize sustainability and player trades.
“The old model of mecenatism is over,” Marotta points out.
“Big clubs have to sell to survive. Italy will be a transitional league, players will come and then move on to the Premier League or Saudi Arabia.
“Even Modric came here at the age of 40, which says it all. Our positive balance comes mainly from overseas earnings. European competition and the world market support us.”
Soccer continues to evolve – Marotta
The Inter president concluded with a personal reflection on how much the sport has changed during his 50-year career.
“I have watched football evolve from family ownership to an international company. Oaktree understood our needs, not only for stadiums but also for training centres, and invested €100 million to upgrade them.”
“Respect, competence and delegation lead to success. And above all, we must remember that at the core of everything we do, the business is football itself.”
