Inter coach confident despite attacking concerns ahead of the clash with Milan
Cristian Chivu insists Inter Milan will stay true to their style despite injury concerns ahead of the highly anticipated derby against AC Milan.
Speaking from Inter’s training base in Appiano Gentile, the coach confirmed that striker Marcus Thuram missed training with a fever, adding uncertainty to an attack already weakened by the absence of captain Lautaro Martínez.
“We’ll see how Marcus feels when he wakes up,” Chivu said. “But this team has many players capable of stepping up. We won’t change our identity — it’s not in our nature to play passively or speculate.”
Staying Focused on the Team’s Identity
For Chivu, the derby represents a defining moment of the season but not a reason to abandon the principles that have carried Inter through the campaign.
“We all know what a derby means in a city with such big ambitions,” he said. “But we must maintain the competitiveness we’ve shown in recent months.”
Despite Inter’s recent struggles against Milan — four defeats and two draws in their last six meetings — the Romanian coach dismissed the relevance of past statistics.
“Numbers don’t matter in matches like this,” he said. “I expect an Inter team that is calm and confident in its abilities.”
The coach pointed to the team’s strong form in the league, including an impressive run of 14 wins and one draw in the last 15 Serie A matches.
“That consistency comes from understanding the moments of a game,” Chivu explained. “We want to manage those moments well against Milan.”
Respect for Allegri’s Milan
Chivu also spoke about the tactical evolution of Milan under Massimiliano Allegri.
“There is always something to learn from a coach who has won so much,” he said. “I know him well and even had the chance to host him at one of my training sessions in Parma. I enjoy exchanging ideas about football with him.”
Opportunities for Young Players
With Inter’s attacking options limited, the derby could become a major stage for young forward Francesco Pio Esposito.
Chivu believes the youngster is ready for the responsibility.
“He’s a player who works extremely hard and understands what it means to play for Inter,” the coach said. “We’re happy with him — he’s had an impressive season.”
Even though Lautaro will miss the match, the captain has remained close to the team.
“He’s helping us even from the outside,” Chivu revealed. “He joined us for lunch before the match to pass along the right message to the squad.”
Squad Updates
Midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu could return to the starting lineup after improving physically in recent days.
“He’s growing both in fitness and intensity,” Chivu said. “He’s ready.”
Wing-back Denzel Dumfries, however, is more likely to appear from the bench as he continues his comeback after four months out.
“He’s an important player for us,” the coach said. “But after such a long absence he needs time.”
Chivu also defended defender Alessandro Bastoni, who has recently been the target of boos from opposing fans.
“I’m sorry for Alessandro,” he said. “He’s a serious person who hasn’t committed anything so terrible. But he’s reacting well, performing at a high level, and he has the respect of his teammates.”
A Derby That Could Shape the Season
With the title race tightening and both Milan clubs fighting near the top of the table, the upcoming derby carries enormous weight.
For Chivu, the approach remains simple.
“We have to read the moments of the match and manage them well,” he said. “That’s what big teams do.”
