After the international break, Cristian Chivu and Inter Milan face their first major test back in action – a trip to the Stadio Olimpico to meet Roma, one of Serie A’s in-form sides and home to the league’s best defence, with the Romanian discussing his side’s opposition and other topics, including an update on injured star Marcus Thuram.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Cristian Chivu covered a range of topics: fitness updates, tactical challenges, his admiration for Gian Piero Gasperini, and the growth of young striker Pio Esposito.
The Inter boss opened by confirming that the squad returned from international duty in good condition, with quotes via FCInterNews.
“The internationals are back healthy, with no problems,” Chivu said.
“Of course, some played a lot of minutes, so we gave them extra rest. We’ve managed them carefully to have everyone at their best tomorrow.”
Chivu On Facing Roma & Their Defensive Strength
The coach was full of respect for Roma’s defensive organisation and the structure that Gasperini has refined since succeeding Claudio Ranieri.
“What I like about Roma is the continuity they’ve given to Ranieri’s work,” Chivu noted.
“Then Gasperini added his man-marking system – they’ve found the right balance while maintaining solidity.
“They defend well and read the game. Svilar has been excellent.
“We’ll need clarity and strength to make the most of the chances they give us and be sharp in breaking down their organisation.”
When asked whether Ange-Yoan Bonny might be preferred to Pio Esposito in attack, Chivu remained non-committal.
“I have three good forwards,” he replied.
“All of them can interpret the role depending on the opponent – and improvise if needed.”
Roma vs Inter Milan – Chivu: “Every Game Is A Final”
Chivu’s focus, however, was on momentum and mentality.
Inter have won five consecutive matches in Serie A and Europe, and the coach insisted that consistency is crucial as the schedule intensifies.
“We want to pick up where we left off against Cremonese,” he explained.
“We have to keep building and understand our strengths. I expect steps forward, not back. We treat every game like a final – it doesn’t matter who the opponent is or how famous they are.
“We’re focused on ourselves and our desire to be dominant. We want to stay competitive on every front, because this team can go all the way.”
The 44-year-old then turned reflective when asked about the emotions of facing Gasperini, a figure who had briefly coached him during his playing days at Inter.
On Gasperini’s Influence & Mutual Respect
“Even though it was a short experience, he left a strong impression on me,” Chivu recalled.
“In Bergamo he’s innovated football; all of us younger coaches have been inspired by his philosophy. I’ve always had admiration for him – the same now as when he was my coach.”
He also reminisced about that brief spell under Gasperini in 2011:
“We were changing systems to his famous 3-4-2-1, and I was the left centre-back. The training was so intense that I felt in incredible physical shape, maybe the best of my career.
“Unfortunately, the results didn’t come and he was dismissed too early, but he’s since shown his value and his ideas. I’m happy he’s become a model for coaches of my generation.”
Pressed on what, specifically, he had taken from Gasperini’s approach, Chivu highlighted courage and innovation.
“It’s about interpreting football in that way – his courage brought him international success with the Europa League.
“He showed things few others dared to do, and he did them well. His method is unique, but we can all learn from coaches like him and then apply our own convictions.
“You always have to steal from the great ones.”
On Pio Esposito & Managing Expectation
With Francesco Pio Esposito attracting widespread attention, Chivu was asked whether the hype surrounding the youngster had become excessive. His answer balanced pride with pragmatism.
“It’s a good question,” he admitted.
“He plays for Inter and for Italy – pressure is part of the game. The comparisons bother me because they make no sense.
“Pio has great personality and mentality, but you have to manage him carefully.
“He’s a young player whose life has changed in two months. That’s what he wanted – now he’s on the stage and he has to dance.”
Chivu said the key is helping the 19-year-old learn to grow through mistakes.
“He’s already an international-level player and appreciated everywhere, but he needs to accept errors with the desire to improve.
“You have to take him with both the good and the bad – he’s ambitious and learning every day.”
Team News: Sommer Starts, Thuram Still Out
The Inter coach also offered clarity on the line-up.
“Sommer plays,” Chivu confirmed simply, before adding with a smile, “Thuram? I don’t know.”
The French striker continues to recover from a thigh problem but is progressing in his rehabilitation.
Asked whether Lautaro Martinez was guaranteed to start up front, Chivu again deflected: “Who said Lautaro will play? We have three forwards, and we’ll see tomorrow who starts.”
On Returning To Rome & His Time With The Giallorossi
Chivu’s career came full circle this weekend, returning to the city where his Italian adventure began. His memories of Rome are deep and fond.
“I lived four important years there,” he reflected.
“I arrived at 22, in the best league in the world, and worked under great coaches – Capello, Spalletti, Voeller, Prandelli, Conti, Delneri.
“Those were formative years; I fell in love with Italy. It’s a country that gave me so much, and I’m still here.
“Rome made me grow as a man and as a player, and I’ll always be grateful.”
On Roma’s Progress Under Gasperini
Chivu ended by stressing that Roma, despite their solid start, still have room for improvement.
“We’re only at the seventh round,” he pointed out.
“Every team has margins to grow, regardless of ambition. It’s still October, the season is long. I’m sure Roma will keep improving with Gasperini.”
As Inter prepare for a crucial stretch of away fixtures (Roma, Napoli, and Champions League tests) Chivu’s message was clear: the foundation of success is continuity, concentration, and collective belief.
“We know who we are,” he concluded.
“We want to stay at the top and show that Inter can fight to the end in every competition.”
Live Comments
Welcome to our Live Comments section, where new comments will appear automatically
Add a Comment