Alessandro Lucci, the agent representing Marco Palestra, has publicly countered recent claims made by Inter President Beppe Marotta regarding the player's failed transfer. The dispute centers on Marotta's assertion during a press conference that Palestra had backed out of a verbal agreement with the club. Marotta had also criticized Lucci, suggesting that the agent could have influenced the player differently, while expressing frustration over losing an Italian talent to a foreign league.
In a statement provided to the news agency ANSA, Lucci defended his actions and the nature of the negotiations. He emphasized that Inter directors, specifically Piero Ausilio, had engaged in constant and constructive discussions regarding the potential transfer. However, Lucci refuted Marotta's characterization of the events, clarifying that despite daily contact between the two clubs over a period of 45 days, they were never able to reach a definitive agreement with Atalanta.
Lucci expressed a desire to move past the conflict, urging all parties to look toward the future with calm and to stop using the player as a target for criticism, stating that Palestra deserves respect. It was widely known that Palestra had been approached by Inter several months ago and had indicated his willingness to wait for a move to the San Siro. This situation echoes previous transfer difficulties for Inter, who have also struggled to finalize deals for Ademola Lookman and Ederson with Atalanta in recent times.
