Inter Milan Head Coach Claims ‘The Responsibility Is Mine’ For Shootout Loss To Bologna; Justifies Not Utilising Italy & Turkey Stars | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu accepted full responsibility for Inter Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana exit after their semi-final defeat to Bologna on penalties, insisting that his decisions were made to protect the players and the collective balance of the squad.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Inter coach returned to the subject of the shootout.

He described penalties as an exercise in courage and accountability rather than preparation.

“For me, courage and responsibility are what matter,” Chivu said, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“Taking a penalty isn’t simple, and training them isn’t simple either. Unfortunately tonight they went against us.”

Chivu Defends Decision Not To Use Pio Esposito & Calhanoglu In Inter Shootout Loss To Bologna

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)

Chivu was asked specifically about his decision not to introduce Francesco Pio Esposito for the shootout.

The Romanian coach was clear in his reasoning.

“I didn’t want to risk sending a player on cold just to take a penalty,” he explained. “It’s not easy, and the responsibility is mine.”

The same logic applied to Hakan Calhanoglu, who was left on the sidelines despite his reputation from the spot.

“Calhanoglu is coming back from an adductor issue and I didn’t feel comfortable asking him to step up cold,” Chivu added.

Those choices were also part of a wider rotation strategy.

“That’s how the decision to rest some players came about,” he said.

“I take responsibility for the performance.”

Despite the disappointment, Chivu was keen to highlight Bologna’s progress, offering credit to the opposition.

“We have to congratulate Bologna for what they are doing and building,” he noted.

From a tactical perspective, Chivu felt Inter had the upper hand after the break. “In the second half we dominated the match,” he said.

“Unfortunately, in front of goal we made mistakes, or their defensive line defended very well in those situations.”

Looking ahead, the Inter coach struck a resilient tone. “That’s football,” Chivu concluded.

“You try, you fall, you cry and you get back up. Great men step out of their comfort zone knowing that things don’t happen overnight. This group has the human qualities to get through this moment.”

For Chivu, the Supercoppa setback is a lesson rather than a verdict, one he believes Inter have the mentality to absorb and overcome.