Inter Milan Head Coach Plays Down Rivalry With Napoli Coach Conte Ahead Of Serie A Showdown | OneFootball

Inter begin the second half of the Serie A season with what Cristian Chivu openly described as a match that “can shape the path of a season,” against a Napoli led by Antonio Conte.

After midweek results, Sunday night’s clash against Napoli at San Siro carries double significance: a win could send Inter seven points clear, while defeat would reopen the title race entirely.

Chivu spoke to reporters at his pre-match press conference, with quotes via FCInterNews.

Chivu framed the moment as the product of sustained growth rather than circumstance.

Inter, he explained, have improved “through work, by giving continuity to the good things we’ve done or tried to do,” stressing that “numbers aren’t enough” on their own.

What matters, in his view, is showing “the value of a team over 100 minutes,” even through ups and downs.

Chivu On Napoli And Mental Balance

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Despite Napoli’s tactical changes since October, Chivu expects another match balanced on fine margins.

He pointed to personnel differences, Rasmus Hojlund’s presence and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s absence, but underlined the broader challenge.

Napoli, he said, remain “a strong squad with players of great intensity,” warning that “it will be difficult for us and for them.”

In games of this level, Chivu believes “everything lives on episodes,” making mental control decisive.

That psychological aspect has been a key focus since the reverse fixture.

Chivu admitted Inter’s performance in Naples was influenced by moments and mistakes, explaining that the squad have “trained ourselves not to think too much about injustice” and instead focus on “our true value and ambition.”

Inter Vs Napoli – Chivu: ‘No ‘Chivu vs Conte’ Narrative’

COMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on before the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Stadio G. Sinigaglia on February 23, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Asked repeatedly about Antonio Conte, Chivu firmly rejected the idea of a personal duel.

While expressing “great respect” for the Napoli coach, describing him as “a winner” who has evolved with modern football, Chivu was clear: “For me, there is no Chivu–Conte comparison.”

In his view, the spotlight should remain on players and supporters.

“Football must stay at the level of the interpreters of the sport, the players, without forgetting the fans,” he said.

Indeed, adding that coaches have become “too central” in recent discourse.

Chivu On Selection, Growth And Trust: Luis Henrique Will Play

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Luis Henrique of FC Internazionale controls the ball during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

On the pitch, continuity is likely.

Chivu explained how tactical roles are carefully managed, revealing that Yann Bisseck’s limited forward movement is by design, while Luis Henrique has grown significantly.

The Brazilian, Chivu admitted, had to overcome early criticism, including from the coach himself, but responded with “work, humility and dedication.”

“He’s played nine matches from the start,” Chivu noted, praising his ability to handle San Siro pressure and “the criticism that rains down on you.”

Fitness-wise, Matteo Darmian is close but not ready, while Denzel Dumfries continues rehabilitation in the Netherlands.

As for the XI, Chivu smiled: “I always have doubts,” before conceding, “Today I’ll be kind and say Luis Henrique will play.”

Chivu On Mentality Over Outcomes

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Perhaps the clearest theme of the press conference was Chivu’s refusal to frame the match in binary terms.

“I don’t understand what it means to draw, lose or win,” he said.

What matters, instead, is entering the match “with a certain mentality.”

For Chivu, that mentality, forged through adversity, disappointment, and recovery, defines this Inter. And against Napoli, it will be tested at the highest level.