Chivu insists on ‘mentality’ as Inter prepare for Udinese test | OneFootball

Inter head coach Cristian Chivu has underlined the importance of attitude and consistency as his side prepare to face Udinese, making clear that the foundations of his Inter project rest on mentality, “Attitude and mentality are what I want to see again,” he explained, stressing that there are still improvements to be made but that some things remain non-negotiable.

Speaking in a press conference prior to the Nerazzurri’s second Serie A clash of the season, with quotes taken via TuttoMercatoWeb, Chivu welcomed back Hakan Çalhanoğlu, highlighting the midfielder’s renewed motivation after a summer in which the Turkish playmaker nearly left the club, “Calhanoglu is an important player. From the first day of training, he showed he wants to be part of this group. He’s come back motivated, with the right mentality and wants to leave last season behind.”

MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Young striker Pio Esposito has also caught the spotlight following his Italy call-up but Chivu downplayed any fears of added pressure: “I’ve known him since he was 13. He’s humble, he loves challenges and knows how far he still has to go. Now he can go enjoy his dream.”

Inter boss Chivu talks rotation and earning a place in the team

Chivu acknowledged that the upcoming calendar will really test the depth of the Inter squad, particularly with Champions League commitments approaching. He confirmed that different tactical combinations, including the possibility of using three forwards, could be deployed. “There will be opportunities to see various solutions with three attackers, depending on the situation,” he said.

Rotation will inevitably be a part of the season but Chivu was clear on his guiding principle: “Meritocracy is my first rule. Everyone must always prepare at their best, on and off the pitch, to deserve their place.” He added that he views his squad as “22 outfield players” rather than a fixed starting XI.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

On Davide Frattesi’s role, Chivu described him as “a natural mezzala with great timing of runs, but also capable of playing off the striker or in a three-man midfield to give us balance.”

Looking ahead to the match against Udinese, the Romanian warned against complacency. “We cannot get it wrong in mentality, attitude or quality. Udinese are a very physical side with a structured midfield and they are always difficult to face.”