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Inter President Giuseppe Marotta and Pope Leo (@inter)
Inter had a very strange build-up to their game against Lazio, first the entire team visited Pope Leo XIV and presented a special jersey, then their ultras joined Lazio counterparts in protest.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
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You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Lecce vs. Juventus on the Liveblog.
Curiously, these two teams will face off again in the same venue on Wednesday May 13 for the Coppa Italia Final, so this is a sort of warm-up for that massive fixture.
As they will be in the Eternal City for a few days, Inter took the opportunity to visit Pope Leo in the Vatican, a tradition now for the clubs who have won the Serie A title.
Coach Cristian Chivu, President Beppe Marotta and the entire squad were present this morning, with Pope Leo given a special edition Inter jersey that had his name on the back.
Pope Leo’s message to Inter
“This is undoubtedly a moment of great joy for you all, and I am delighted to share in it,” was Pope Leo’s message.
“It is a goal achieved through hard work, teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which you have managed to maintain both in the exhilarating moments – such as the last match, which you have already celebrated! – and also the difficult ones, without becoming discouraged or giving up.
“For this reason, whilst I congratulate you, I invite you to reflect on the experience you have had, so that, in this moment of success, you may become bearers of a message that is particularly useful for the growth of young people. Many of them, at this time, look to you as their ‘heroes,’ as role models to emulate, and this entrusts you with a responsibility that goes beyond performance and calls upon you, as sportsmen, to be witnesses to values.
“I would like to emphasize this, because young people today truly need role models, and what you do has an impact, which can be positive or negative, on the life of the young. And so, I would really like to leave you with this thought of the great responsibility you bear.
“Some 35 years ago, Saint John Paul II spoke of this during a meeting held precisely with some representatives of your club. After recalling its significant role in the history of Italian football, he added, addressing the players and managers: ‘Ensure that many may recognize in you and in your conduct authenticity and integrity that stand the test of time’.
“These are words that I too would like to repeat to you, whilst reiterating my congratulations. I cordially bless you and your families, and wish you all the best.”
However, the atmosphere inside the Stadio Olimpico is going to be unusually quiet, because Inter and Lazio ultras have meet up outside for a shared protest.
Lazio fans have been boycotting the home games for several months in protest at President Claudio Lotito and the way he runs the club.
Seeing as the two sets of ultras have been twinned for many years, they decided to unite together in boycotting today’s match.
Both of them will be in the stands for the Coppa Italia Final, though, suspending their protest in a moment that could transform the Aquile’s season.
