Chivu hails Inter ‘remarkable desire to learn’ and adapt to new ideas | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu explains how Manuel Akanji is adapting to different circumstances and Inter bring their ‘remarkable desire to learn’ after a tough victory away to Udinese.

The Nerazzurri secured their title as Winter Champions with a midweek win over Lecce, and it was another narrow success this afternoon at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine.

Lautaro Martinez struck early on by converting the Francesco Pio Esposito assist, and that proved enough to take revenge on an Udinese side that had beaten them 2-1 at San Siro in August.

Chivu sees Inter progress in this new era

UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

“I have four strikers who are working very well together, they complete each other, and put themselves at the disposal of the team,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

It remained 1-0 to the end, allowing Udinese to push hard in the closing stages, but Inter kept a clean sheet and at one point pushed Manuel Akanji into a defensive midfield position.

“That can be a solution when we are struggling and the opponents are pumping long balls into the box, as it gives us that physicality to defend the box,” explained Chivu.

“The whole team is working so well protecting the defence lately, starting with the high press, or when required defending deep. We really want to keep this project going, be competitive and continue a season that is not bad.

“When I was a player, I too played in front of the defence sometimes. Unfortunately, I don’t have the physical structure of Akanji. Maybe I had more quality, but in those final five minutes, you need to battle hard.

“I also feel that Yann Bisseck is starting to understand his role and defend better.”

UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Inter are now guaranteed to stay at least three points clear at the top of the table, awaiting the other results of the weekend.

It is a remarkable turnaround considering how many critics felt they were doomed after losing 2-1 at home to Udinese in August.

“It is not easy for a team to change what it was accustomed to, to adjust those habits,” explained Chivu.

“We started with the doubling up of players, from the desire of the midfielders to duel with defenders and keep a high line, knowing that means leaving some space in behind and running those risks.

“If we spend most of the training sessions in the video room, it’s because there isn’t much time to prepare, but the desire to learn from this team is remarkable.

“I compliment everyone, because they are at our disposal and want to put our ideas into action on the field.”

UDINE, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Carlos Augusto of FC Internazionale defends against Alessandro Zanoli of Udinese during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Friuli on January 17, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, they must turn their focus back towards the Champions League and the upcoming clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal.