Marotta rules out Ndicka and does not confirm progress on Palestra

Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta appeared in Rome this week for the election of the new FIGC president, Giovanni Malagò, and took the chance in front of reporters to pour cold water on two rumours that had been circulating: Roma defender Evan Ndicka is not on the table, and the situation with Atalanta’s Marco Palestra offers nothing new either.

Ndicka off the nerazzurri radar, for now

The question about the Ivorian centre-back was inevitable. Ndicka, 26 – he turns 27 in August – has become a central piece in Roma’s defence this season: 42 matches played across all competitions, with five goals scored. A defender who rises well, positions himself even better and can also decide games in attack. That profile interests a lot of people.

But Marotta was blunt: “We haven’t discussed anything for now, we didn’t go after him. If you ask me whether we’re in negotiations, the answer is definitely no.” Contract until June 2028, an undefined future and a market that is only going to heat up. Ndicka’s name will probably keep coming up.

Palestra remains the priority target – but with no deadline

Young Marco Palestra, the midfielder brought through by Atalanta, is the name the nerazzurri hierarchy really want. The idea is simple: Denzel Dumfries is on his way to Real Madrid, and the club needs a worthy replacement for the right flank. Palestra, with his dynamic profile and versatility on both sides of the pitch, fits the mould Simone Inzaghi is looking for.

The problem is the price. It is estimated that Atalanta will not let the player go for less than 50 million euros. A considerable sum, all the more for a club that needs to balance the books after two years of heavy spending. On that, Marotta was laconic: “There’s nothing new.” Few words, no clues.

Inter build the post-double era with caution

Internazionale arrive at this transfer window in a privileged position. Italian champions and Coppa Italia winners, the Milan side have room to be selective. Marotta has never been one to stir the market with names. He prefers surgical moves, long negotiations and quiet outcomes.

The stance in Rome this week is consistent with that style. No confirmation, no speculation fuelled. The nerazzurri summer has barely begun – and the name the fans want to hear, Palestra, remains an undeclared priority. As long as the price does not come down, the silence will last.