The president of the Lazio region defends those under investigation in the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office inquiry, which alleges a plot to oust the president of SS: “I don’t think Masi, Maiolini and Bisignani are involved.” He goes on to say: “I would go back to the demonstration on 2 July. Lotito is incapable of communicating with the fans.”

At Inter, he had become a bit-part player. Gennaro Gattuso had other plans for him: to give him centre stage. And he took centre stage straight away: first match, first goal; second match, second goal. Both were decisive.

The governor of Lazio says he feels “offended and hurt, as a native of Lazio”. He is calling for “clarity for the future”. And Storace, a long-standing figure on the right, warns the majority: “If, on top of the trouble Lotito is causing, they want a wealth tax, they can do whatever they like”