Moratti: "Mazzarri, decision based on experience"

"This in no way diminishes our high regard for the talent and potential of Stramaccioni, I'm sure he'll become one of the best Italian coaches"

MILAN - Massimo Moratti once again spoke to the press outside the Saras offices.

Is Andrea Stramaccioni's time at the club officially over?

"I believe if you visit the Inter club site you'll see it's official."

Has this been one of the hardest sackings of your tenure?

"They're never nice. But let's say it for what it is: for now this change is due to the fact that we'll have a tough year and I thought we needed a coach with the experience of Mazzarri. That doesn't diminish the fact that we rate Stramaccioni as a talented coach, with potential, and I'm sure he'll become one of the best coaches in Italy."

Have you spoken to Stramaccioni?

"Yes, I've spoken to him all week. Don't think that's not been the case."

Has he realised that the decision was based on the fact the team suffered too many defeats?

"The reasons might even safeguard his professionalism because perhaps he was particularly unlucky and, at this moment in time, he might need to find himself in an easier situation than the one at Inter. But with the year he's had he will find that. It won't be an easy situation because we'll need to show we're very good and also of course have a bit more luck."

Walter Mazzarri is a gutsy coach with a lot of experience.

"Yes, the decision was made with a big focus on that."

What do you expect from Inter? Will it be a comeback year?

"We expect to do well every year. Now let's see what happens in the transfer market. We'll speak to the coach about that and we'll see what comes out of that and then our hopes based on how good the team is."

So the fans need not worry? You'll build an Inter side to win trophies?

"We didn't start badly this season, it was an Inter side capable of winning but then we had a series of catastrophes, in terms of injuries, that meant we didn't do as well. We'll certainly try to rebuild to have solid targets."

And what of reports, over the last few days, claiming you wanted to sell Inter?

"No, come off it."