Moratti defends Inter director

Inter president Massimo Moratti has leapt to the defence of Marco Branca after the club’s director came under public attack from Lele Oriali.

Former Inter technical director Oriali, who has recently been linked with a return to the club he left two years ago, was involved in a heated exchange of words with Branca on Italian television after Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Atalanta at San Siro.

Oriali accused the former Inter forward of playing a major role in the club’s decline since the treble-winning campaign of 2009/10.

Moratti was left enraged by Oriali’s accusations, telling reporters on Monday: “I always find it annoying that a person who has left the club says those type of things.”

“And if I am holding on to Branca, it is because I consider him good (at his job).”

Inter are currently seventh in Serie A, seven points behind third-placed Lazio, and have already been eliminated from this season’s Champions League.