The recent remarks by Italy’s national team coach Luciano Spalletti regarding the ultras case have caused a stir, particularly within Inter Milan. Spalletti, who previously managed Inter from 2017 to 2019, commented on the ongoing investigation into the relationship between clubs and ultras groups, saying, “The ultras never called me, and I know how to hang up the phone.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport report how these words have left Inter Milan surprised and perplexed. The club, which has been cooperating fully with the authorities in the investigation, was taken aback by Spalletti’s comments, which seemed to indirectly criticize current Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.
Inzaghi had recently been questioned by prosecutors as a witness in the investigation, following the interception of a phone call between him and Marco Ferdico, a leader of Inter’s Curva Nord ultras group. The call, which took place before the 2023 Champions League final, reportedly involved discussions about ticket allocations for the ultras.
Inter’s management views Spalletti’s remarks as unexpected and potentially undermining their position in the ongoing investigation. The club has maintained that they are victims in this situation and have been fully cooperative with the authorities.
The controversy highlights the delicate relationship between football clubs, their managers, and ultras groups. While Spalletti emphasized his ability to maintain professional boundaries, his comments have been interpreted by some as a critique of how other managers, including Inzaghi, handle such relationships.
As the investigation continues, Inter Milan finds itself in a challenging position, balancing cooperation with authorities, managing relationships with supporter groups, and now dealing with unexpected commentary from a former manager.
