Inter Milan Head Coach Confirms Key Selection Choices For Atalanta Clash: ‘Calhanoglu Will Be Available, Josep Martinez Back In January’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan face a demanding test to close out 2025 as they travel to Bergamo to take on Atalanta, with Cristian Chivu addressing the key issues in his final press conference of the year at the BPER Training Centre.

Asked what kind of match he expects, Chivu underlined Atalanta’s continuity and identity, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“It has always been a tough match regardless of the coach. They built something important with Gasperini and kept that identity. They are competitive and won the Europa League.

“Recently, under Palladino, they found consistency while keeping the same principles. It won’t be easy. Against Atalanta it never is, because of their intensity and vertical play.

“We need to be brave, win second balls, and be clinical because they won’t give you many chances.”

Chivu Talks January Transfer Plans

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 20: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano attends a press conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on June 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

On the transfer market, the Inter coach drew a firm line.

“There are five days until the window opens. For a coach it’s always difficult to talk about it, because it would mean disrespecting the players.

“A coach will never come here and say what is missing, because that would mean the 25 players available are not good enough.”

Reflecting on the year gone by, Chivu focused on collective growth.

“I don’t talk about myself, but about the team and the club. The first months were difficult because of how last season ended. We worked hard to get back on a competitive path.

“We are not perfect, but we are trying to improve things that can shape a season. A team with ambition must keep pushing every day.”

The coach rejected the idea that Inter lack edge in big matches.

“Every match is important. You can’t step onto the pitch thinking it will be easy.

“A team with ambition must dare, improve tactically and mentally, and not lose sight of courage.”

Atalanta Vs Inter – Chivu Talks Selection & Confirms Calhanoglu Return

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

On the right flank, Chivu defended Luis Henrique while keeping options open.

“Every player’s responsibility matters. Luis Henrique is judged for every small detail, but I have not seen him out of place at Inter. Dumfries is important, especially for goals, but we can’t judge Luis on goals alone. He needs time.”

He later added that Andy Diouf “gives us important ideas when he comes on, especially by taking on his man and attacking the goal.”

Regarding continuity and frustration, Chivu was clear.

“We must be stronger than frustrations or perceived injustices. We know what we lack and what we must add. We are working with determination, responsibility and courage, even stepping out of our comfort zone.”

He ruled out using Davide Frattesi on the right.

“No, never. We have thought of him only as a second striker to attack the box. Some things must stay in the dressing room. I don’t need to justify myself.”

On team news, Chivu confirmed key availability.

“Hakan Calhanoglu trained before the semi-final in Riyadh and is fine. He is available for tomorrow. Pepo gave good signs in Riyadh. We will see him again in January.”

Chivu Reflects On Supercoppa & Praises Brugge Starlet Stankovic

OSAKA, JAPAN – JULY 27: Aleksandar Stankovic of FC Internazionale in action during the pre-season friendly match between FC Internazionale and Al-Nassr at Yanmar Stadium Nagai on July 27, 2023 in Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

He also highlighted positives from Saudi Arabia.

“I’m not happy with how it went, but I saw a second half against Bologna with very high quality. Possession alone doesn’t win games. I want to add things, not take them away.”

Chivu reserved special praise for Aleksandar Stankovic.

“I’m extremely happy for him. I’m his first fan. He had the courage to leave home and grow. We watch him with interest because he is a product of our academy and has Inter colours in his blood.”

Finally, on the pressures of the Inter job, Chivu embraced them.

“It stimulates me. I’m not afraid of labels or distortions. I know who I am. My dignity is not for sale, and I will never change.”