Moratti: Milan derby was difficult for Balotelli

26-Feb-2013 5:00:00 AM

The Inter president says he had some sympathy for the Rossoneri attacker after he was the target of jeers and whistles from Nerazzurri support

Inter president Massimo Moratti says it was “difficult” for AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli during Sunday’s Milan derby.

Balotelli failed to add to his four goals already for Milan in this 1-1 draw and he endured abuse from the Inter fans, who greeted the former Nerazzurri attacker's every touch with deafening boos.

But, whilst there has been an uncomfortable history between Inter’s outspoken president and the enigmatic forward after Balotelli stirred controversy by wearing a Milan top while playing for Inter, Moratti did offer some words of sympathy for the man dubbed 'Super Mario'.

"It was a difficult game for him, both psychologically and because we had taken precautions for him. So we can say that he had a good match," he told Inter Channel.

"The missed chances are something relative, since he had already done a good job simply getting to those balls, and it wasn’t easy to finish the chances."

Meanwhile, Moratti was also quick to praise both his team and coach Andrea Stramaccioni at the conclusion of the match for their spirited fightback.

Stephan El Shaarawy had opened the scoring for the Rossoneri before Ezequiel Schelotto grabbed a second-half equaliser which Moratti believed was a good response.

“Well, he pulled it out in the second half quite well," he told reporters.

"I have to say that both he and the players showed they knew how to manage a game that had started quite badly from a psychological standpoint."

He also congratulated Inter’s January signing and surprise goal-hero Schelotto.

Moratti added: "It was fantastic for him. He immediately gained the support of the fans."

In the wake of the Milan derby, Moratti will be setting his sights on Champions League qualification, with Inter sitting just one point behind third place.

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