ITALY/ INTER, Moratti: "We came back with character"

© foto di Daniele Buffa/Image Sport

 A day on from his side's comeback win over Catania, president Massimo Moratti paused to take the questions of the press gathered outside his offices in Milan:

What does this win over Catania mean to you?
"It means a lot because it showed deep down that this team has character, there's a lot of quality which shows through when we need it. But the coach also did very well in the second half, a bit like against AC Milan."

What did you make of the Cassano affair and how might it end?
"I wasn't there, so I can't tell you what happened. But I see everyone is getting back to normal. He's a talent, as we know, and artists are a bit special. Basically we need to understand him."

Will he be fined?
"I'm not sure, I've left the decision on that one up to those who know what went on."

Do you think it's normal that an incident like that comes out of the dressing room?
"I see everyone is scandalised that it's been leaked, but what's worse is that it's gone on in the first place, not whether it's come out or not. There are 40 people in the dressing room so of course it can come out. It's a shame but obviously these things can happen. Ultimately these things mustn't happen though."

What did you make of the old guard's contribution yesterday and Palacio's performance?
"They're players with great character, we all know them. I've always maintained that it's hard to find players as good as them, so when they have a good day or when they're on form as they are at the moment, then obviously they go from being unforgettable to irreplaceable."

What do you retain from yesterday, the first half or the team's reaction in the second?
"Let me have the reaction! I must say though that in the first half, apart from the two goals, Inter always had the ball and ran the game. Of course we were a lot more incisive in the second period than we had been in the first."

And third place?
"We'll see. Let's hope so."

Icardi keeps improving and scoring goals...
"He plays for Sampdoria though."