Inter Milan Coach Confirms France Star Is “Ready To Return” & Praises “Dirty” Win At Hellas Verona | OneFootball

After Inter Milan won 2-1 away to Hellas Verona, head coach Cristian Chivu reflected on a hard-fought afternoon that demanded as much character as quality and confirmed Marcus Thuram is ready to return to the team.

The Romanian praised his side’s reaction and revealed why he opted for pragmatism over perfection at the Bentegodi.

“The expression of a match isn’t always how you want it,” Chivu said in his post-match press conference, with quotes via FCInter1908.

“Everyone who’s faced Verona has suffered. They’re intense, physical and dangerous. We unlocked it, tried to control things, but on one long ball they punished us.

“These are games you’re more likely to lose than win – today we were lucky too.”

Chivu defended Luis Henrique after criticism of the Brazilian’s quiet performance.

“Why do you all do this? He played like the rest, he gave his all and I’m happy. Sometimes people point fingers just to make headlines.

“I’m satisfied – he crossed well for Bastoni and defended with commitment.”

Chivu On Set-Piece Goal In Verona 1-2 Inter Milan

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 27: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from a penalty kick during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 27, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Asked about Hakan Calhanoglu and Piotr Zielinski’s goal from a rehearsed free-kick, Chivu admitted the move wasn’t his idea.

“That’s all down to Angelo Palombo. I didn’t trust it at first. When I saw it, I said, ‘Don’t break my nerves,’ because if it went wrong, they’d have countered and scored.

“But we have quality players, so it’s right to try. Credit to the staff – they research, study and bring new solutions.”

The coach also stressed the importance of accepting “dirty” wins when the team can’t play with fluency.

“You have to adapt. Sometimes you need to make it a battle. Two months ago, maybe we’d have lost this kind of match.

“Now we’re learning to win even when we’re not beautiful. Luck helped, but attitude made the difference.”

Verona 1-2 Inter: Chivu Confirms Thuram Is ‘Ready’

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale shows his frustration at the end of the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Finally, Chivu confirmed Marcus Thuram is close to returning, but refused to rush him back.

“He’s ready, but not at full condition. I didn’t bring him because I wouldn’t have used him even if the world fell apart.

“When you put a player in after three sessions, you risk injury, and I don’t make that mistake. I’d rather call up someone from the Under-23s.”

The Inter coach closed by assuring fans that Davide Frattesi is fully fit and will have his moment soon.

“He’s 100 percent now, he’ll play. We just chose different profiles for recent matches. His time will come.”