Torino vs Inter Milan preview - Moratti reassures fans over new era
Posted Saturday, October 19, 2013 by PA
Inter Milan will launch a new era on Sunday at Torino following the sale of the club to foreign investors this week.
The Nerazzurri announced they had reached a binding agreement over the sale of a 70 per cent stake of Inter to International Sports Capital, led by Indonesian billionaire Erick Thohir.
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti, who has owned Inter for the last 18 years, is set to stay on in some capacity within the club and retain a 30 per cent stake.
However, Thohir is ready to get to work, and said: "I am honoured that Mr Moratti has entrusted me with the responsibility to lead Inter into the next chapter, and I am excited to have him continue in the future as my partner.
"I cannot wait to put our passion and international experience at the service of this fantastic club and its supporters."
Moratti, meanwhile, has moved to reassure fans over the sale.
"I think Inter's history is going to be enriched by a new season thanks to our new international partners who, I am sure, will contribute to a continued string of successes," Moratti said.
"The new partners' enthusiasm and pragmatism are certainly a guarantee for the future."
Inter, coached by Walter Mazzarri, are fourth in the table, seven points behind Roma after seven games.
The Nerazzurri go into the game in Turin on the back of a 3-0 defeat to Serie A leaders Roma. That loss was Inter's first reverse of the campaign.
Argentina striker Rodrigo Palacio has shaken off a muscular injury and will lead Inter's attack.
Rivals Torino would like nothing more than to ruin a big day for Inter.
"If we are able to beat Thohir's Inter we will remain in the history books forever," Toro coach Giampiero Ventura said.
"It's a pity that we are not at full strength for Sunday's game."
The Granata are hoping to recover midfielder Omar El Kaddouri, who has been troubled by a muscular injury.
Defenders Nikola Maksimovic, Cesare Bovo, Guillermo Rodriguez are out injured, while defender Kamil Glik must serve a one-match ban this weekend.
Toro held Sampdoria to a 2-2 draw in Genoa in the last round and are ninth in the standings.
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