Inter Milan Vs Venezia – Ex Nerazzurri Goalkeeper Praises Cristian Chivu: “He Is Special” | OneFootball

Venezia goalkeeper Filip Stankovic has praised Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu ahead of Wednesday’s Coppa Italia showdown at San Siro.

Speaking to La Repubblica via FCInterNews, Stankovic revealed his ambition to play in the Champions League one day.

Filip Stankovic joined Venezia on loan in the summer of 2024 to be a backup keeper at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo.

However, Jesse Joronen’s underwhelming start to the season prompted Giovanni Stroppa to hand Stankovic the starting role.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old seized the opportunity, establishing himself as one of the most promising youngsters in Serie A.

Despite Venezia’s relegation to Serie B, the club decided to sign Stankovic permanently in the summer.

Now, the Serbian shot-stopper will return to San Siro as a foe, with Inter set to face Venezia in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.

Yet, Dejan Stankovic’s son has never hidden his desire to wear the Nerazzurri shirt again.

Moreover, he is keen to play in the Champions League in the future.

Venezia Star Filip Stankovic Praises Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu

BOLOGNA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Filip Stankovic of Venezia during the Serie A match between Bologna and Venezia at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on November 30, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I’m Serbian, born in Rome,” Stankovic said. “But my home is Milan. As a kid, I could see the stadium from my windows.

“I could recognize the buzz of the crowd just before a goal. Other footballers lived in the building too,” he added. There were Brozovic and Icardi.”

Meanwhile, Stankovic recalled an anecdote from his early days at Appiano Gentile.

“They would take us there to play after Inter’s victories. My two brothers would shoot, and I would save.

“One day, Mourinho came to watch us. He stayed in the background, hooded.

“After noticing him, we gave it our all. I was eight years old.”

Then, he commented on Chivu.

“Unfortunately, he never coached me, but I know him,” he stated. “He’s a friend of my dad. A special person.”

Moreover, he revealed his close relationship with Francesco Pio Esposito.

“To me, he was like a little brother. The three of us Stankovics would hang out with the Espositos, all together.

“But tomorrow, I want to win.”

Finally, he outlined his dream of “lifting the Champions League, with my brother on the team and my dad coaching us.

“That wouldn’t be a problem. When people call me privileged, it motivates me even more.

“I’d be happy to have won just ten percent of what my father has won.”