Bologna Vs Inter Milan – Italy Star Defender Credits Cristian Chivu For Nerazzurri Renaissance: “Large Part Of Who We Are Today Is Thanks To Him” | OneFootball

Inter Milan stalwart Alessandro Bastoni hailed Cristian Chivu for the team’s resurgence following a heartbreaking 2024/25 season.

During today’s pre-match conference via FCInterNews, the 26-year-old insisted that the Nerazzurri have never lost their spirit despite numerous setbacks.

Last season was disappointing for Inter.

Despite being in contention for a historic treble until mid-April, Simone Inzaghi’s side finished the campaign empty-handed.

Furthermore, they suffered a humiliating defeat in the Champions League final while losing to AC Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana showpiece.

However, Inter might soon have a chance to avenge that latter upset.

Indeed, if the Rossoneri overcome Napoli in the first Supercoppa semi-final and Inter beat Bologna tomorrow, the arch-rivals will meet again.

This time, it will be Cristian Chivu trying to lead Inter to redemption against their city rivals on the Supercoppa stage.

Moreover, the 45-year-old would seek revenge for a gut-wrenching 1-0 defeat in this season’s Derby della Madonnina.

Alessandro Bastoni Credits Cristian Chivu for Inter Milan Resurgence

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 Lumen Field on June 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Asked how strong Inter’s desire to end a year-long title wait, Alessandro Bastoni replied: “It never went away. Maybe it faded a bit, but that’s physiological.

“We’ve been together as a group for a long time, so sometimes there can be a dip. It wasn’t easy to restart after what happened.

“However, the inner drive was always there. We’re rediscovering what allowed us to achieve so many good things.”

Furthermore, Bastoni insists that Inter’s poor run in high-stakes matches doesn’t concern him.

“It’s not something we give too much importance to. We only got two halves wrong.

“In Serie A, we’re top, and in the Champions League, we’re in the top eight.

“I’m very proud of how we’re reacting to outside talk about problems that don’t exist.”

Meanwhile, he gave Chivu credit for changing Inter’s mentality this season.

“I’d say it’s been good,” he added. “I’m self-critical with myself and always try to reach perfection, even if that’s not always possible.

“I look at the results; we’re a group, we’re honest people who tell each other things as they are.

“We know there’s room for improvement, but the season has been good.

“I think he was cold and wanted to warm up,” Bastoni claimed. “After an intense season like last year and a change of coach, he helped us a lot get back on track.

“A big part of who we are today is thanks to him; it wasn’t easy to restart like this after last season.”

Bastoni Outlines Inter Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana Ambitions

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano in action during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Inter will try to win a record-equaling ninth Supercoppa title in Saudi Arabia.

Asked how important it is to achieve this milestone, Bastoni replied: “Absolutely yes. With two matches, you can win a trophy, and that’s not something to take for granted.

“It gives enthusiasm and self-belief. There are strong teams starting from tomorrow.

“Bologna have caused us more than a few problems in recent years, but the desire is there.

“They prepare themselves.

“They’ll be very intense, and we have to be good at countering their game plan in the best possible way.”