Conte vs. Marotta: Verbal Sparring Continues as Inter Milan’s “2.75 Squads” Remark Sparks Debate

Inter Milan stole the spotlight at the 2024 Italian Players’ Association Awards, sweeping several major honors. The Nerazzurri claimed accolades for Best Goal, Best Team, Best Coach, and MVP of the Season. Seven Inter players were named in the Serie A Team of the Year, further solidifying their dominance. However, despite Inter's triumphs, the headlines belonged to a familiar figure: Antonio Conte.

Conte, known for his fiery personality, engaged in another war of words with Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta, reigniting the rivalry between the two Serie A title contenders. Their exchange, filled with subtle jabs and pointed remarks, has intensified the tension between the two sides.

Marotta’s Subtle Jab Sparks the Fire

The latest round of verbal sparring began during Marotta's speech at the awards ceremony. When asked about the Serie A title race, Marotta diplomatically praised Napoli:
"Who is the favorite for the Scudetto? I believe Napoli is the frontrunner. They have been performing exceptionally well and possess a championship-winning coach and a formidable squad."

At the time, the top five teams in the league were separated by just one point. Following the weekend's results, Lazio and other rivals faltered, Juventus managed only a draw, and Inter’s fixture was postponed. Meanwhile, Napoli edged Torino 1-0, extending their lead at the top of the table.

Marotta’s praise for Napoli seemed innocent enough, but for those familiar with Serie A’s psychological warfare, it was a calculated move. His comments, viewed as an attempt to shift pressure away from Inter, quickly reached the ears of Antonio Conte.

Conte’s Explosive Response

During Napoli’s pre-match press conference for the Coppa Italia, Conte wasted no time in delivering his response:
"Marotta says Napoli is the favorite? A manager can say whatever he wants. But I know Marotta well, and I am certain that if Inter doesn’t win the title, he won’t be happy. Maybe someone at Inter pushed him to say that. Are we talking about a team with two full squads? No, they have two and three-quarters! It’s like saying the universe doesn’t exist!"

Conte’s response was layered with implications. First, his choice of words stood out. Rather than referring to Marotta by his title, he used “direttore” (director), a term from their time working together at Juventus and Inter. Whether this was a subtle dig or a mere habit is up for interpretation.

Second, Conte hinted that Marotta’s comments were not his own but influenced by someone within Inter. Speculation on social media quickly pointed to Inter’s current coach, Simone Inzaghi, suggesting Conte was attempting to shift the spotlight onto Inzaghi and escalate the tension within Inter’s camp.

The “2.75 Squads” Remark

Conte’s claim that Inter has “two and three-quarters” of a squad raised eyebrows across the football world. By his math, Inter would have 30 players of Serie A quality—far more than the typical 25-man first-team roster.

Italian journalist Fabio Biachin couldn’t resist highlighting the irony:
"Conte says Inter has 2.75 squads. I’m curious because when he left Inter, he said the squad wasn’t up to standard..."

Biachin’s comment refers to Conte’s dramatic departure from Inter in 2021. At the time, Conte cited the club’s lack of ambition and insufficient squad depth as his reasons for leaving. Despite his demands for significant investment, Inter faced financial constraints and had to adopt a more frugal transfer strategy.

Inter’s Transformation Under Financial Constraints

Since Conte’s departure, Inter’s net transfer spend has been a negative €113.4 million, the lowest in Serie A during this period. Napoli, by comparison, has spent nearly €300 million more. Despite these financial limitations, Inter has flourished.

In the three years since Conte left, Inter has:

• Secured their second star by winning their 20th Scudetto.
• Reached the Champions League final, narrowly losing to Manchester City.
• Consistently challenged for domestic and European honors.

Inter’s success, achieved under financial constraints, stands in stark contrast to Conte’s portrayal of them as a squad with unparalleled depth.

Fans and Media React

Conte’s remarks have sparked a wave of reactions from fans, journalists, and former players. Many found humor in Conte’s portrayal of Inter as an unstoppable “superteam.” One fan likened it to an ex-girlfriend who once left because of financial struggles, only to later accuse her former partner of being extravagantly wealthy.

Others, however, saw Conte’s comments as a backhanded compliment, acknowledging Inter’s rise despite the challenges they faced. After all, Conte himself once led Inter to glory, and his successor, Inzaghi, has continued to build on that foundation.

A Night to Celebrate Inter’s Contributors

While Conte’s remarks dominated the headlines, the awards night was ultimately a celebration of Inter’s achievements and the collective effort behind their success. From CEO Giuseppe Marotta to coach Simone Inzaghi, the club’s journey over the past three years has been a testament to resilience, smart management, and the contributions of many individuals—some of whom, like Conte, are now part of the club’s history.

Perhaps, as one journalist suggested, the best way to interpret Conte’s comments is as a reminder of how far Inter has come. The club that once struggled to meet his demands is now a force to be reckoned with, earning respect—and a bit of envy—from one of its most demanding former coaches.