Inter start the second half of the Serie A season with what Cristian Chivu overtly described as a match that “can form the trail of a season,” towards a Napoli led by Antonio Conte.
After midweek outcomes, Sunday night time’s conflict towards Napoli at San Siro carries double significance: a win might ship Inter seven factors clear, whereas defeat would reopen the title race fully.
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Chivu spoke to reporters at his pre-match press convention, with .
Chivu framed the second because the product of sustained progress reasonably than circumstance.
Inter, he defined, have improved “by way of work, by giving continuity to the nice issues we’ve performed or tried to do,” stressing that “numbers aren’t sufficient” on their very own.
What issues, in his view, is displaying “the worth of a staff over 100 minutes,” even by way of ups and downs.
Chivu On Napoli And Psychological Steadiness
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, seems to be on previous to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
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Regardless of Napoli’s tactical modifications since October, Chivu expects one other match balanced on wonderful margins.
He pointed to personnel variations, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s absence, however underlined the broader problem.
Napoli, he mentioned, stay “a powerful squad with gamers of nice depth,” warning that “it will likely be troublesome for us and for them.”
In video games of this degree, Chivu believes “every part lives on episodes,” making psychological management decisive.
That psychological side has been a key focus because the reverse fixture.
Chivu admitted was influenced by moments and errors, explaining that the squad have “educated ourselves to not suppose an excessive amount of about injustice” and as a substitute deal with “our true worth and ambition.”
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Inter Vs Napoli – Chivu: ‘No ‘Chivu vs Conte’ Narrative’
COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte seems to be on earlier than the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 23, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
Requested repeatedly about , Chivu firmly rejected the concept of a private duel.
Whereas expressing “nice respect” for the Napoli coach, describing him as “a winner” who has advanced with fashionable soccer, Chivu was clear: “For me, there isn’t any Chivu–Conte comparability.”
In his view, the highlight ought to stay on gamers and supporters.
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“Soccer should keep on the degree of the interpreters of the game, the gamers, with out forgetting the followers,” he mentioned.
Certainly, including that coaches have turn out to be “too central” in current discourse.
Chivu On Choice, Development And Belief: Luis Henrique Will Play
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Luis Henrique of FC Internazionale controls the ball in the course of the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud College Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photograph by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Pictures)
On the pitch, continuity is probably going.
Chivu defined how tactical roles are fastidiously managed, revealing that ’s restricted ahead motion is by design, whereas Luis Henrique has grown considerably.
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The Brazilian, Chivu admitted, needed to overcome early criticism, together with from the coach himself, however responded with “work, humility and dedication.”
“He’s performed 9 matches from the beginning,” Chivu famous, praising his capability to deal with San Siro stress and “the criticism that rains down on you.”
Health-wise, is shut however not prepared, whereas Denzel Dumfries continues rehabilitation within the Netherlands.
As for the XI, Chivu smiled: “I at all times have doubts,” earlier than conceding, “At the moment I’ll be variety and say will play.”
Chivu On Mentality Over Outcomes
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, reacts in the course of the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photograph by Simone Arveda/Getty Pictures)
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Maybe the clearest theme of the press convention was Chivu’s refusal to border the match in binary phrases.
“I don’t perceive what it means to attract, lose or win,” he mentioned.
What issues, as a substitute, is getting into the match “with a sure mentality.”
For Chivu, that mentality, cast by way of adversity, disappointment, and restoration, defines this Inter. And towards Napoli, it will likely be examined on the highest degree.