Inter, Chivu: Ambitions and rivalry as we face Napoli at Maradona | OneFootball

“We can't make comparisons with last year but look at what happened last year: they won the championship and we didn't. The rivalry and ambitions are there.”

Inter, Chivu: “Ambitions and rivalry with Napoli, we go to Maradona prepared and aware”

On the eve of the big match against Napoli, Inter's coach presents the game in a press conference. Here are his words live

After the clear victory in the Champions League against Royale Union SG, Cristian Chivu's Inter prepares for the big match at Maradona against Antonio Conte's Napoli, scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at 6 PM. The Nerazzurri come from a positive series in the league – victories over Sassuolo, Cagliari, Cremonese, and Roma – and seek continuity in a challenge that can weigh heavily in the title race.

“Napoli-Inter is a match of great ambitions”

“The Italian champion team and the runner-up face each other. The ambitions are very high. It will be a hard-fought game, where both will want to impose their game and bring home the result.”

The Nerazzurri coach immediately clarified the level of the challenge, highlighting the sporting rivalry and the importance of the direct confrontation between two of the strongest teams in the league.

“A day of rest was necessary: I trust my players”

After the Champions League, Inter enjoyed a day off: “To me, it seems normal. It's the best training you can give a team at such an intense moment. Many players are coming back from national teams, others from a real tour de force. A day off is needed to mentally disconnect and regain energy. I trust their professionalism and responsibility.”

“Napoli is an obstacle, but it's not a final”

“It's an important match, no denying it. The points matter for the standings and the course of a season, but it's still too early to talk about a turning point. Many teams have already lost two matches, Milan has one defeat but also several draws. We need to understand the importance of this challenge without turning it into an obsession. It requires spirit, conviction, and awareness. In Naples, the atmosphere will be heated, but we must be ready mentally and physically.”

“Experiencing title matches as Inter's coach”

“My experience has taught me that all matches must be treated the same way. This is how you build a winning mentality. You can't afford the luxury of feeling superior. Victories are earned on the field, even in difficult moments. It requires respect for oneself, for teammates, and for the opponent.”

“Lautaro? With Bonny or Esposito, nothing changes”

“Nothing changes, they are just numbers. I have four compatible forwards and I can mix them without compromising the team's performance. Everyone works for the group, no one plays for themselves. The pairs? There are no better pairs, there are players who know how to be together and adapt intelligently.”

“On Milan-Como in Perth: no excuses”

“I've learned not to complain. I don't see ghosts and I don't want to waste energy. I played a friendly in Libya and didn't complain. These are opportunities to show that football is international. Clubs must manage resources in the best way, but you also need to see the positive side of situations.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.