Inter coach stays focused before Lazio clash as Lautaro sends clear message: “At Inter, the only word is win”
Cristian Chivu has urged Inter Milan to stay grounded ahead of the Coppa Italia final against Lazio, insisting the Nerazzurri must avoid becoming obsessed with the possibility of a domestic double.
Speaking at the Stadio Olimpico on the eve of the final, Chivu stressed that Inter’s focus remains entirely on the next match—not on history.
“We must not have this obsession,” Chivu said.
“We deserved the Scudetto and we deserve to be in this final, but we have to maintain the same clarity and humility.”
The Inter coach, part of José Mourinho’s historic Treble-winning side, dismissed any emotional narratives around repeating past achievements.
“Talk about finals doesn’t change a thing for me,” he added.
“Fortunately, I found a group of players who match my ambitions.”
“This team knows what Inter represents”
Chivu repeatedly praised the mentality inside the dressing room, emphasizing the culture of competitiveness built over recent years.
“The strength of this group is understanding what we represent,” he explained.
“This is a team that in five years has reached three European finals, won league titles, cups and super cups. The level of competitiveness is very high.”
The Romanian coach also highlighted the unity shown by the squad during difficult moments this season.
“Here we win and lose together. Always. Even during tough times.”
Thuram ready for the final
One of the biggest questions ahead of the match concerned Marcus Thuram, but Chivu delivered reassuring news.
“He’s doing well. He trained with us, and tomorrow we’ll evaluate him again,” the coach said.
All signs point toward Thuram starting alongside captain Lautaro Martínez in attack.
Lautaro: “The only word at Inter is winning”
Lautaro, who joined Chivu in the press conference, echoed the coach’s message while reaffirming Inter’s hunger for silverware.
“The desire is always to win every competition we enter,” the Argentine striker said.
“Tomorrow we have another opportunity to lift a trophy that has been missing for two years.”
The captain also downplayed discussion surrounding a potential “double.”
“The league-and-cup double is just a statistic. It doesn’t condition us. The only objective is to bring the trophy home.”
Lautaro revealed how quickly the squad embraced Chivu after his arrival despite external skepticism.
“There were doubts around him from outside, but we followed him and he followed us,” he said.
“He brought fresh air. He has a very strong personality, but he also makes us smile and work calmly.”
“The frustration comes from outside”
Chivu also spoke about shielding the team from external pressure and negativity throughout the campaign.
“I tried to reassure the players on a human level and manage the frustration that often comes from outside,” he explained.
“I have a group of great men who enjoy being together and do everything possible to win.”
The Inter coach believes that spirit has been fundamental to the club’s success this season.
“The players always stayed focused, reacted to difficulties and accepted hard work and imperfection. The credit belongs entirely to them.”
Final warning: “Don’t lose humility”
Despite Inter’s convincing victory over Lazio in Serie A just days ago, Chivu warned against complacency.
“These are completely different matches,” he said.
“Someone may think that after Saturday everything will be easy, but it’s not like that. We must remain humble and have the right attitude.”
With the Scudetto already secured, Inter now stand one victory away from completing a remarkable domestic double—and Chivu’s message is clear: ambition matters, but humility will decide the final.
