Cristian Chivu, the charismatic coach of Inter Milan, firmly stated that his team cannot lose its identity, even in the face of the possibility that a draw may be enough to maintain a comfortable lead in the Scudetto race against rivals AC Milan. The big clash is scheduled for this Sunday at 19:45 GMT at the iconic San Siro, and it promises to be a true spectacle of emotions in Italian football.
Inter’s season has been a rollercoaster, marked by ups and downs. Despite being eliminated from the group stage of the Champions League by Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt and playing out a lackluster 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-finals against Como, the Nerazzurri find themselves with a 10-point lead at the top of the Serie A table. A victory against Milan could virtually seal the title’s fate, with two months of competition still ahead.
Chivu does not hide the importance of this derby: “It’s a classic; we all know what it means for two strong teams from the same city, with great ambitions.” The coach emphasizes the need to maintain the team’s good momentum, stating that “we must be competitive and seek variations that allow us to express ourselves even better on the pitch.”
Although a draw can be seen as a good result, Chivu is categorical: “We cannot change our identity, the one we have had since the beginning. We must understand the various moments of the game, without losing the approach that has brought us here.” Inter remains unbeaten in the league since the last derby against Milan, which they won 1-0, followed by a draw with Napoli and 14 consecutive victories.
Since the beginning of the year, the team has shown remarkable progress: “We have improved and we have a different approach to games, because we neither underestimate nor overestimate anyone,” said Chivu. “What matters is what we want to do, how we control the game, and the ambitions we have built for this season allow us to be under no pressure, aware that we are facing a strong opponent.”
Despite acknowledging the individual quality of Milan’s players, Chivu emphasizes the importance of his team presenting their best possible version. “It is crucial that we maintain consistency in the good things we have done so far and in how we react to some defeats and disappointments,” he added. When asked whether the previous loss to Milan had been the turning point of the season, the coach replied: “I don’t think that was it. The turning point was after the 3-1 defeat to Napoli. The derby was just an unfortunate incident that affected us, but the improvement was already evident before that.”
Chivu also referred to his fellow professional, Max Allegri, praising his experience: “I am the last person to speak about Max, he has won six titles and other trophies. We can all learn from him, both as a coach and as a person.” The clash promises to be not only a battle of teams but also a tactical duel between two high-caliber coaches.
Regarding the team, Marcus Thuram’s situation is uncertain due to flu symptoms, and Lautaro Martinez is injured, which makes Francesco Pio Esposito the only certainty in Inter’s attack. Chivu commented on Esposito: “He is fortunate to have teammates who help him stay relaxed, but his good performance this season is due to his effort.”
Despite being absent, Lautaro plays a crucial role in the team’s preparation: “He is with us every day and always ready with the right words. The leadership of a captain who cares about this group is evident,” Chivu emphasized. The coach also mentioned the return of Denzel Dumfries, who, although still recovering his form, could be a valuable option for the derby.
Finally, Chivu addressed the situation of Alessandro Bastoni, who has faced boos from rival fans following a controversy with Juventus. “It’s something we cannot control. It’s a shame because we need football to remain just a game,” he lamented. However, Chivu praised Bastoni’s ability to maintain a high level of performance, even under pressure.
This derby is not just another game; it is a battle for pride, identity, and, above all, for a place in the history of the Scudetto. The football world is about to witness an epic clash that could define the course of the season for Inter Milan.
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