Inter coach Cristian Chivu asserts that the Serie A title race remains wide open, stressing the importance of his team focusing solely on their own performance. “We must not think about others’ mistakes, because they are beyond our control,” Chivu stated.
Inter is set to face Fiorentina tomorrow at the Stadio Franchi. The squad will be without Alessandro Bastoni, who is sidelined with an injury and also a doubt for Italy’s upcoming World Cup play-off semi-final. Chivu confirmed today that Bastoni would still join the national team for medical assessment.
Chivu Addresses Recent Silence and Team Performance
Addressing why neither he nor any Inter player spoke to the media following the contentious 1-1 draw against Atalanta last week, Chivu explained, “It was a collective decision after what transpired on the field. I prefer to always discuss football and avoid focusing on issues that could generate excuses.” He acknowledged the team’s technical and tactical shortcomings in that match, adding, “We made some mistakes… We’ve asked ourselves what could have been done better… We come from a week of work, we are ready to face tomorrow’s match.”
Pressure and Ambition in the Title Hunt
With Napoli having reduced the gap to six points after their win against Cagliari (though Inter holds a game in hand), Chivu downplayed the pressure. “Football thrives on pressure. The season is still extensive, and anything is possible,” remarked Chivu, who will serve a one-game ban tomorrow. He highlighted Inter’s journey and achievements, recognizing the legitimate ambitions of rival teams. “There are 27 points at stake; in a three-point era, anything is possible. We are committed to maintaining our competitive edge and performing at our current high level. We must continue to concentrate on ourselves, bringing even greater consistency to our aspirations and our league campaign.”
Player Updates and Form Concerns
Regarding player availability, Lautaro Martinez will miss the upcoming match due to injury, while Ange-Yoan Bony is dealing with dental issues. Marcus Thuram is also facing scrutiny, having not scored in Serie A for over a month. Chivu believes all players, including Thuram, are capable of improving. “They are working daily to align with the team’s standards,” Chivu noted. “At this critical juncture, when every match feels like a final, I offer no more advice; everyone needs to take responsibility to be their best self.” He clarified that Bony’s dental problem occurred before the Atalanta match and persists this week, with plans to resolve it during the international break. Chivu concluded, “It’s normal to experience less brilliant periods during a season. We must acknowledge our progress and identify what we need to regain in terms of energy and ambition, without losing sight of our overall path. Nothing is given; you have to earn everything yourself.”
