Inter Milan Head Coach Reveals ‘I Was Against The Corner Routine’ That Led To Zielinski Wonder Goal In Verona Win | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu admitted his team’s 2-1 win over Hellas Verona was “the kind of game that’s easier to lose than to win,” as Inter Milan left it late to take three crucial points at the Stadio Bentegodi.

A wondergoal from Piotr Zielinski and a Martin Frese own goal deep into stoppage time gave the Nerazzurri a vital response after last week’s setback in Naples.

Speaking to DAZN after the final whistle, with quotes via FCInterNews, the Inter coach shared a mixture of relief, humour and pride.

Chivu: ‘Three Points Against A Dangerous Team – It Could Have Been Worse!’

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)

“I ruined my clothes,” Chivu smiled.

“I’m in my tracksuit now – the sponsor isn’t happy! But that’s how football goes. We won by accepting that we’d faced a dangerous team who made things difficult for us at times. Matches like these are easier to lose than to win, so when you take three points like that, you celebrate because it could have gone much worse.”

The Romanian coach then revealed a surprising detail about Inter’s opening goal, which came from a brilliantly worked free-kick finished by Zielinski.

He credited his assistant Angelo Palombo for designing the routine, even though Chivu initially disagreed with the idea.

“It was definitely Palombo’s work,” he admitted.

“I was actually against it. If it had gone wrong, they’d have countered and probably scored – they’re very quick on the break. But with the quality we have, it’s right to try these things. Credit goes to Angelo, to Filippo, and to all the players who work hard to bring these new ideas from the training ground into matches.”

“When you’ve got someone like Calhanoglu, who can put the ball wherever he wants, and Zielinski, who can finish like that, you have to take those chances. Full credit to the whole staff for studying, planning and implementing these details. They deserve a lot of praise.”

Verona 1-2 Inter – Chivu Rejects Notion That His Side Slowed Down After Zielinski Goal

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale is challenged by Jurgen Ekkelenkamp of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Asked whether Inter had grown too comfortable after taking the lead, Chivu rejected the notion.

“No, we didn’t slow down,” he said.

“They sat deep, so we told the players to lure them forward and make them take risks. We actually created two big chances at that stage, like Bastoni’s, but didn’t kill it off. Then on their only long ball, they scored, and the game changed.”

“When you slow the tempo to draw your opponent out, sometimes you lose the rhythm of the match. Verona are well coached and play with intensity and quality. I congratulate them: they made it tough for us.”

Chivu Defends Lautaro Martinez For Goalless Streak In Serie A

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Finally, Chivu addressed questions about Lautaro Martinez, who hasn’t found the net in Serie A since early October.

The coach defended his captain, stressing that leadership and commitment matter more than short-term scoring form.

“He hasn’t scored for a week – but he scored in Brussels,” Chivu pointed out.

“We don’t need to make a story out of this. From the point of view of effort and leadership, Lautaro is an example for everyone.”

“It’s not easy to play every three days, but he gives everything. For me, it’s not a drama if he doesn’t score for a week. What matters is how he leads, how he works, and how much he gives to the team. He’s our reference point.”

Chivu’s words captured the emotion of a dramatic afternoon in Verona – a victory built on perseverance, tactical bravery, and belief in his staff and players.

For Inter, it wasn’t their most fluent display, but one that reinforced their resilience and togetherness.