Cristian Chivu Praises Inter Milan Starlets: ‘No Best Pairs’ & Bold Message Sets Stage For High-Pressure Showdown With Napoli

When asked if the night could “decide” a season, Chivu smiled through the brief commotion in the room.

“It’s an important match – let’s not deny reality. These are important points that shape a season’s path. But it’s too early to say anything definitive,” he insisted.

“Both we and Napoli have two defeats; only Milan have one, with a few draws. You move forward. It’s matchday eight. We must understand the importance of the match.

“You play for a lot, but you’re not playing for everything. You need the right passion. It won’t be a friendly environment for us.

“Therefore, we must be mentally and physically ready to deliver a big performance.”

Pressed on whether facing a former Inter coach, in Antonio Conte, adds fuel for Inter’s senior core, Chivu cut the idea short.

“No extra motivation,” he said in essence. “I don’t think we need to talk about those things. That was five years ago. In the meantime Inter won the second star. And reached two Champions League finals.

“There have been joys and disappointments; time has passed. I don’t believe anyone is thinking about an extra spark just because of the opponent.

“We are Inter. Indeed, we respect what we’ve become in recent years. We know who we are and who we want to be. That’s where it ends.

“We want a great season and good performances to carry the project forward and build on the good work of recent years.”

Inter Milan Coach Chivu: “I Don’t Need To Justify A Rest Day”

Chivu also defended his decision to grant the squad time off after Inter’s midweek win against Union Saint-Gilloise.

“Do I have to justify a rest day? It seems normal to me. The best training sometimes is rest,” he said.

“Many haven’t been home because of international duty. We got back from Rome at 5AM, then spent three days in Belgium.

“It felt right to give them the minimum rest to be with their families. Sometimes you have to switch off. You can’t always think about the same things. I trust their professionalism and responsibility.”

He underlined the practical side.

“We’re playing constantly, which makes it hard to run full sessions to prepare a match.”

Napoli Vs Inter Milan: Chivu Says “No Best Pairs” Amid Pio Esposito & Bonny Breakthroughs

On whether Lautaro Martinez’s partner changes Inter’s play, Chivu was clear.

“For me, nothing changes – those are just numbers,” he said.

“Some people think Bonny is more like Thuram, while Pio is Pio and not like anyone else. I have four compatible forwards. Therefore, their output doesn’t change if I mix them.

“They’re generous and put the team first. There are no ‘best pairs’. They’ve shown in this start to the season that they can play together without getting in each other’s way.”

Identity And Work Ethic – The Same Standards Every Game

Asked about preparing a top game as a coach versus as a player, Chivu leaned into consistency.

“My experience taught me you have to treat every match the same way if you want continuity in your objectives,” he said.

“You can’t afford to see yourself as superior in advance, with that approach you don’t win trophies. Do that and the ‘big’ matches arrive and you don’t know how to handle them.

“We always try to be our best version. I’ve been in groups where training was harder than the match. That doesn’t mean we didn’t prepare properly.

“A win is never guaranteed. You have to earn it. You need to manage those famous ‘moments’.”

Chivu Comments on Serie A Australian Venture

The coach was also asked about the Milan–Como fixture in Perth. He used it to underline a broader philosophy.

“I’ve learned not to complain, so I don’t see ghosts. You waste energy when you complain,” he said.

“Look for the positive side, if it exists. It’s not up to me, but we played a friendly in Libya and I went there happily. Show that football is international, that we’re professionals with duties.

“Then it’s up to the club to manage energies. Maybe we’ll learn to do things for the team’s good by giving a few days off.”

On Serie A’s recent low-scoring round, Chivu pushed back on doom-talk. “I’ve been in Italy for many years. There’s never been ‘excellence’ in pure goalscoring – teams are very well prepared tactically and plan matches based on the opponent,” he explained.

“Abroad there’s less concern about the opponent and more focus on your own game. That doesn’t mean Italian football is poor or behind. It’s just a different interpretation.”

Youth Pathways – Luis Henrique, Diouf And Responsibility

Finally, Chivu addressed minutes for newer signings.

He wouldn’t single anyone out without balance. “If you bring up Luis Henrique, then I have to mention Diouf, who played well,” he said.

“They’re training well and trying to get through this period. They’re quality youngsters with room for mental growth.

“I don’t consider them fully ready for Italian football yet. However, that doesn’t mean I won’t give them chances.”

He also accepted his part in the timing. “I take responsibility: with so many matches, I’ve had less time to explain certain things to them,” he admitted.

“Given their commitment, they’re valid players who will unlock themselves mentally sooner or later. They have quality and show it every day. Step by step their moment will come. We’ll see them on the pitch soon.”