Inter boss Spalletti hits out over 'insulting' Conte reports

Luciano Spalletti reacted to ongoing speculation over his future at Inter amid links with former Juventus and Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.

Published : May 14, 2019 12:21 IST

Inter head coach Luciano Spalletti hit out at sections of the Italian press over reports that Antonio Conte is set to replace him at the Serie A club.

Goals from Matteo Politano and Ivan Perisic secured a 2-0 win over Chievo on Monday, moving Inter up into third place with two games to spare.

Champions League qualification for a second successive season now looks likely, though Spalletti's future at San Siro still remains uncertain according to speculation.

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Former Juventus, Italy and Chelsea coach Conte has been heavily linked with taking over at Inter, much to Spalletti's chagrin.

"For three months, the same things have been said. La Gazzetta dello Sport has written the same for three months," Spalletti told  Sky Sport Italia .

"If someone says it'll rain tomorrow every day, eventually it will probably rain.

"You keep asking me the same things every week and I don't want to be rude by not responding. If La Gazzetta dello Sport have written the same thing for two years, and over the last three months it was every single day, then they must know something.

"They are also pretty insulting, with headlines saying you're spent, you're empty, a flop, that in the end weighs on you.

"It’s not about me, anyway, because this sort of rumour mill has been particularly strong around Inter for seven years.

"It's also nasty and offensive in its language and that is not the same way with other clubs. I don't know if there are some sort of family and friendship issues here, but it is different with Inter.

"It's only right that [chief executive Giuseppe] Marotta goes to seek out the best for Inter, so it's not about that."

Inter's win over Chievo ended a three-match streak without a league victory, and Spalletti was impressed by his side's display, though he acknowledged there is still room for improvement.

"I saw maturity, clear heads, sharpness and the awareness to avoid making silly mistakes," he added.

"We moved the ball side to side because Chievo's attitude was forcing us into that, but it is true our passing didn't have the right quality to break them down. We can do better."

- Spalletti and Conte rumours unhelpful, says Marotta -

Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta admitted rumours about Luciano Spalletti's future are not helpful as the side continues to be linked with Conte.

Marotta leapt to Spalletti's defence prior to Monday's 2-0 Serie A victory against Chievo.

"The rumours about Spalletti's future aren't helpful," Marotta told  Sky Sport Italia .

"I believe it's the new generation of communication that spread these stories so easily, they create a distraction and can be annoying to read sometimes.

"Spalletti has done a good job and that should be recognised. Our goal was to get into the Champions League spots, and we are going about it the right way.

"I don't understand the criticisms of the last few weeks, as we have almost achieved our goal."

Inter is third on the points table – a point clear of Atalanta and three ahead of rival AC Milan –with two matches remaining.

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