Cristian Chivu backs Alessandro Bastoni towards Lecce boo boys, reveals when Denzel Dumfries returns for Inter, and insists the Bodo/Glimt Champions League play-off is ‘huge open.’
The Nerazzurri stay unstoppable in Serie A, as this was their ninth consecutive away victory, and their 14th win within the final 15 rounds.
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on the Stadio Through del Mare, as the sooner Federico Dimarco aim was disallowed for Marcus Thuram’s tight offside place.
Nonetheless, Dimarco’s nook was flicked on for a Henrikh Mkhitaryan aim, then one other set play was nodded in by Manuel Akanji.
Chivu noticed constructive Inter and has European hope
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Head coach of Inter Cristian Chivu celebrates after the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Through del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Picture by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Pictures)
“We wished to profit from the set performs, as we took plenty of them at this time and it’s a pity we didn’t do them higher within the first half,”
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“We’ve acquired gamers who know the way to assault the house, however above all a rare left foot from Fede, who is aware of the way to put the ball in.”
Who had the higher crossing foot, Chivu, Dimarco or Inter assistant Aleksandar Kolarov?
“His foot is significantly better than mine ever was. I can’t discuss for Kolarov, he could be offended…”
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Lassana Coulibaly of US Lecce competes for the ball with Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale in the course of the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Through del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Picture by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Pictures)
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Inter wanted a response at this time, because it was their first match for the reason that midweek Champions League play-off defeat to Bodo/Glimt.
The second leg is arising on Tuesday, however they are going to be with out high scorer and captain Lautaro Martinez, who’s out for circa a month with a soleus pressure suffered on the artificial pitch in Norway.
“We’re conscious of the difficulties, that we now have to earn every part on the pitch and may take nothing with no consideration,” added Chivu.
“Now we now have the second leg at dwelling on Tuesday, we should be the most effective model of ourselves, as a result of the qualification continues to be huge open. Nothing is determined but.”
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale in the course of the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Through del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Picture by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Pictures)
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Bastoni was jeered loudly at each contact by the group in Lecce this night, because the blowback continues from the incident the place he acquired Pierre Kalulu of Juventus despatched off.
“It’s over so far as I’m involved. I admire the professionalism of this defender and man, who understood his error, apologised for what occurred, and is effectively conscious that the workforce comes first. It’s completed and dusted for me,” assured Chivu.
It was put to the coach that Marcus Thuram was struggling just a little to be impactful at this time, within the absence of injured Lautaro Martinez.
“I’ve 24 marvellous gamers who all attempt to give their contribution. I preferred Marcus at this time, he ran rather a lot, performed along with his again to aim, holding up the ball effectively. Davide Frattesi additionally had a fantastic recreation, they’re all concerned, centered, holding our ft on the bottom and giving our contribution to the workforce.”
LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Manuel Akanji of Inter celebrates his workforce’s second aim in the course of the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Through del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Picture by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Pictures)
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Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolò Barella had been suspended at this time, however the excellent news from the therapy desk is for Denzel Dumfries, who had ankle surgical procedure in November.
“Denzel has completed some issues with us in latest weeks for coaching, not this week as a result of we had been travelling for many of it. Denzel will formally be with the remainder of the workforce from Monday, and I feel Hakan Calhanoglu might be too.”