Inter Milan Vs Fiorentina – Cristian Chivu Demands ‘Self-Control’ After Napoli Defeat & Expects ‘Difficult’ Match Tonight | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu urged his side to avoid frustration and stay composed ahead of tonight’s  clash against Fiorentina.

Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, Chivu confirmed that his players are working on improving their self-control.

Inter will be out to bounce back from Saturday’s gut-wrenching 3-1 defeat to direct Scudetto rivals Napoli.

Furthermore, that result halted Inter’s superb seven-game winning streak in all competitions.

More importantly, six points separate pacesetters Napoli and Inter ahead of tonight’s kick-off.

Therefore, anything other than all three points would further derail Inter’s chances of reclaiming the Serie A title.

However, visiting Fiorentina touch down at San Siro amid an awful start to the season.

Indeed, returning manager Stefano Pioli is standing on the precipice of an early farewell.

Winless after the opening eight rounds, Fiorentina remain stuck in the relegation zone.

As such, Inter have every reason for optimism as they seek their third consecutive win over La Viola for the first time since 2018.

Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Demands Improvement Ahead of Fiorentina Clash

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We’re professionals,” Cristian Chivu stated. “We know that the most important match is the one we play today. Furthermore, we’ve worked hard to put in a good performance.

“There’s a level of self-control and discipline that we can still improve because we can’t allow ourselves to be affected by injustices or by what we perceive as negative moments during the game.

“We must stay mentally focused for 100 minutes. And we can’t afford to let crucial moments slip away, as they determine how the match unfolds.”

Then, Chivu outlined the importance of Hakan Calhanoglu to this Inter Milan side.

“He’s an important player who has shown his worth and continues to do so,” Chivu added. “We also have other options in that position, like Barella and Zielinski, when he decides to be useful in that role.

“They can all play multiple positions, and I’m happy to have them available.”

Meanwhile, Chivu explained his decision to put Yann Bisseck back into the starting lineup at the expense of Francesco Acerbi.

“I have many good defenders, and he’s a valid option,” he said. “We tried him as a central defender in Belgium in the second half, and it went quite well.

“We’ll see how it goes today. He has the qualities needed to play that role.”

Cristian Chivu Expects Fiorentina to Give Inter Milan Run for Their Money

FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 18: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Bologna at Stadio Artemio Franchi on May 18, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, during an interview with DAZN via FCInterNews, Chivu previewed tonight’s showdown at San Siro.

“We’ll see tonight, based on our performance and how we respond to Saturday’s defeat,” Chivu claimed.

“We’ll need self-control and discipline to bring our best to the pitch and give ourselves a chance to get a positive result.

“Tonight, will be difficult. Fiorentina are in good form and have the ambition to climb the table.

“I expect a great performance from our players in terms of pressing after losing possession and managing key moments.

“I don’t put too much pressure on the young players because they’re surrounded by experienced teammates with international pedigree.

“They behave well and transmit calmness, along with that touch of carefree attitude the youngsters need to bring.”

Asked whether Inter’s disappointing record of 11 league goals conceded this season concerns him, Chivu replied: “The worrying thing is that seven of those came against Juventus and Napoli.

“When analyzing the goals we conceded, we could’ve done more without focusing solely on individual mistakes.

“We’re working on self-control and on adding something extra. Those goals were avoidable.”