Cristian Chivu Gives Inter Milan Two Days Off To Recover Ahead Of Crucial Champions League Clash With Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

Following the emphatic 6-2 win over Pisa, Inter Milan have been granted two days off by head coach Cristian Chivu as preparations begin for a crucial Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund.

The match, scheduled for Wednesday January 28, represents the final round of the League Phase, with qualification stakes still high.

To allow his squad to recover both physically and mentally, Chivu opted to temporarily close the doors of Appiano Gentile.

The training ground was left empty yesterday and will remain so today, with the team set to resume work tomorrow.

Chivu Strategy For Borussia Dortmund Clash Involves Rest For Inter

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)

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, the decision reflects a deliberate management strategy rather than a reward.

“The Nerazzurri coach chose to give his players 48 hours off to recharge the squad,” the report explains.

It is an approach Chivu has already used earlier this season with positive results.

Before a midweek league fixture against Lecce, Chivu granted the team a full day of rest on the eve of the match.

Inter went on to secure a 1-0 victory at San Siro, with Pio Esposito scoring the decisive goal.

The timing of that break was widely credited with helping the team maintain freshness and focus.