Inter Milan Coach Hails Team’s Spirit After Beating Monza On Penalties In Friendly: “Team Cares About Getting Results” | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu praised the team’s mentality after last night’s penalty shootout win over Monza in a friendly.

Speaking to Inter TV via FCInterNews, the 44-year-old admitted he appreciated Inter’s commitment at Stadio Brianteo.

Despite needing penalties to beat last season’s Serie A basement boys, the Nerazzurri fared reasonably well.

Federico Dimarco’s lapse of concentration midway through the first half saw Monza go 1-0 up, courtesy of Patrick Ciurria’s goal.

However, goals on either side of halftime saw the San Siro club take the lead heading into the final half hour of play.

Francesco Pio Esposito scored a sublime backheel goal to put Inter in front before Paulo Azzi forced penalties right at the death.

Though Inter couldn’t win in regulation, Chivu maintained his 100% win ratio in pre-season.

Indeed, following their win over Monaco in the opening summer friendly, Inter secured another victory, this time after a penalty shootout.

Cristian Chivu Heaps Praise on Inter Milan Mentality After Monza Win

PARMA, ITALY – MAY 18: Cristian Chivu head coach of Parma calcio during the Serie A match between Parma and Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 18, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We’ve given players minutes – those who played less in Monaco played less today,” Chivu said after the game. “We try to treat everyone the same.

“In Monaco, we also had a double training session, and lately, with the heat, it hasn’t helped.

“At 90 minutes, the game ended in a draw, but overall, the players were committed and tried to do the best with what they had today.

“Unfortunately, it still ended in a draw. One of the positive takeaways from these friendlies is the spirit of the team, which still wants to achieve results.

“I try to instill responsibility and make sure every day they give their best.

“They need to improve motivation across the board because the league is just around the corner.

“We need to be ready and remain the competitive team we’ve been.

“I see commitment, application, and motivation, even though after only two weeks of work, it’s never easy to be brilliant or at your peak.

“But from a character standpoint, they’re trying to improve, even if I think there’s always a little more they can give.

“We’re trying to build fitness. In just four weeks of work, we’ve chosen to play only four friendlies, split between the Under-23s, Monaco, today, and the last one in Bari against Olympiacos in a couple of days.

“It’s not easy; it’s a new situation for everyone.

“We try to turn it to our advantage and do our best with the training loads.

“With these matches, I believe we’ll be ready for the first league game.”