Chivu: ‘Not easy for Inter to maintain aggressive high press’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu saw the right attitude from Inter in their 2-0 victory over Lazio and admits ‘it is not easy to maintain’ their aggressive high press this regularly.

The Nerazzurri knew going into San Siro that the title race could be blown wide open, as Napoli lost to Bologna, while AC Milan fumbled a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 in Parma.

Lazio had been unbeaten in six and came here with four consecutive clean sheets, but it took under three minutes for Lautaro Martinez to break through, followed by the Ange-Yoan Bonny tap-in on a Federico Dimarco assist.

Is it a coincidence that since he urged the captain to smile more, Lautaro Martinez has scored in his last two games against Kairat Almaty and Lazio?

“Lautaro Martinez works so hard and puts himself at the disposal of the team,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“Goals arrive when you are relaxed, when you know that you are a leader. I think he must always feel calm and smile more, because he needs to be aware of what he brings to the team even when he doesn’t score. He inspires this team and sets the example, it is a pleasure to coach him.”

Chivu appreciates Inter efforts

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The coach had not been happy with the last two games, as wins over Verona and Kairat Almaty were unimpressive and hard-fought.

“I liked the approach, the intention to be dominant and control a team that we knew was well-drilled and could cause us problems at any moment. We realised what we needed to do and the attitude that we required tonight,” replied Chivu.

Petar Sucic and Piotr Zielinski have stepped up during the absence of injured Henrikh Mkhitaryan, while Carlos Augusto and Yann Bisseck can always be relied upon in various defensive roles.

“It is a group of 22 players, and they all work their socks off to improve. It is not easy to decide, and with so many changes you can risk losing that balance, the movements that these players know off by heart. I have to say, I am fairly satisfied with the process so far, and know everyone has margin for improvement.”

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Alessandro Bastoni of Internazionale acknowledges the fans following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Among the changes from Simone Inzaghi to Chivu is the ultra-aggressive pressing game when out of possession, which is how Alessandro Bastoni won back the ball for the first goal.

“It is not easy to maintain this attitude when playing every three days, so you need to understand the right moments to push or hold back. In our squad rotation, everyone who came in has stepped up and it allows us to rest a few players, so we can maintain that energy level.

“You need that energy to be dominant and to do what the coach requests,” smiled the coach.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The result means Inter and Roma are now top of the Serie A table on 24 points, with Milan and Napoli following behind on 22 going into the break for international duty.

After that, the next game for the Nerazzurri is the Derby della Madonnina, but Chivu is more focused on having a rare few days without football.

“I will take a few days to rest, enjoy my family, watch some NFL games, and train those who remain, while wishing the others good luck as they represent their countries. I even have a weekend off, so must decide what to do with my wife and children.”

Christian Vieri in the DAZN studio suggested he already knows what Chivu will be doing, which is attending an NFL game at the Bernabeu in Madrid between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins on November 16.