Christian Vieri has backed to win Wednesday’s Coppa Italia ultimate towards Lazio, insisting Cristian Chivu’s achievements this season are solely the start, whereas warning that the Biancocelesti will probably be a very totally different proposition to the aspect crushed 3-0 on the weekend.
forward of the Olimpico showpiece, the previous striker, who spent one season at Lazio and 6 at Inter, was characteristically direct in his evaluation of each golf equipment.
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“Inter is by far the most effective staff in and clearly begins as favorite,” he mentioned. “However be careful for Lazio, they’ve had a thousand issues this yr, however one victory can redeem all the pieces, and that places you on the pitch with a knife between your tooth.”
ROME, ITALY – MAY 09: FC Internazionale head coach Cristian Chivu seems to be on through the Serie A match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on Might 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Picture by Paolo Bruno/Getty Photos)
Vieri backs Lautaro to develop into Inter all-time prime scorer as Chivu praised for ‘detox’
On Chivu, Vieri was unequivocal. “He doesn’t suppose, in contrast to many in Italy, that all the pieces is at all times a drama,” he mentioned.
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“It was not a drama to lose these factors in the beginning of the season, they had been wanted to search out the fitting path. Chivu has proven he’s glorious as a result of he knew these tensions through the Membership World Cup had been simply toxins to be eliminated in the end. The squad was at all times sturdy. I by no means doubted the coach, even with out a lot expertise, and now he’s champion of Italy. And that is only the start.”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Former FC Internazionale participant Christian Vieri seems to be on previous to the Italian Tremendous Cup Closing between FC Internazionale and at Kingdom Area on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Picture by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Photos)
Vieri reserved explicit reward for the squad’s collective mentality.
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“The gamers tire themselves out, from to Dumfries, to Calha, who will probably be missed on this ultimate,” he mentioned. “After which , again to this stage additionally due to a stroke of genius from the coach.”
On , Vieri was bullish about his long-term legacy. “He may develop into the best scorer in Inter’s historical past,” he mentioned. “He’ll overtake Altobelli and, why not, even Meazza, he wants round 100 extra targets however he is not going to cease right here. When individuals ask me what makes him totally different, I at all times say the identical factor: he scores targets. In each means. And he’s a born winner.”
Requested about , Vieri was characteristically blunt. “He should resolve for himself, together with his coronary heart and his head,” he mentioned.
“Nobody can put themselves in his footwear and each selection he makes will deserve respect. He acquired therapy he didn’t deserve. For Inter he’s strategic, however there aren’t any irreplaceable gamers. Even left Barcelona.”
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On the Lazio aspect, Vieri singled out goalkeeper and as gamers to observe, and paid tribute to Maurizio Sarri’s work in troublesome circumstances. “The followers’ protests are usually not aimed on the gamers,” he mentioned.
“The gamers should be applauded. Taking part in in entrance of 5 thousand individuals is demoralising. Sarri’s work has been undervalued, he has saved all the pieces along with nice dignity. However the return of the total crowd might be the important thing issue. I rule out that the gamers will strategy this match with the identical angle as Saturday.”