Spalletti blames Marotta for Perisic row

By Football Italia staff

Inter Coach Luciano Spalletti said Ivan Perisic had been “conned” by Arsenal and hinted director Beppe Marotta “did the damage” by revealing his request.

The tactician spoke to RAI Sport and in a Press conference after tonight’s Coppa Italia quarter-final exit at the hands of Lazio, decided in a penalty shoot-out, 1-1 in extra time.

Perisic was on the bench and his name jeered by fans, as director Marotta had confirmed the Croatian put in a transfer request last week.

“There was this story on the market, but he is a professional, understands his role and yesterday it was already a very different mood,” said Spalletti.

“These things happen in the transfer window, the player received an impressive proposal and was tempted. However, he then realised it was not a true offer, that he’d been conned, and took a step back.

“Now he’ll resume training and as soon as his mind is back fully on Inter, we’ll let him play.”

However, he then aimed a clear sideswipe at Marotta.

“I don’t know if it was a good idea or not to say Perisic wanted to leave, but the player received an important proposal and said he was open to it.

“When he realised the offer was not what he thought, he took a step back, but the damage had already been done. Announcing the situation just created tension around him and the team. Now he’s starting to get back in line, but it’ll take a while.”

The clash comes hours after Antonio Conte was spotted outside the Inter HQ in Milan and when asked if he’d been in contact with the Nerazzurri hierarchy, his response was “no comment.”

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