Inter Milan Vs Juventus – Nerazzurri Coach: ‘Juve Getting Better, Credit To Spalletti’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu expects a very different Juventus under Luciano Spalletti when Inter Milan host the Derby d’Italia at San Siro, five months after the dramatic 4-3 defeat in Turin that marked one of the most chaotic nights of his early tenure.

The Nerazzurri coach arrives at the clash with greater certainty around his squad and identity, but he warned that the Bianconeri have evolved significantly under Luciano Spalletti.

“They are a team that has improved with Luciano’s arrival,” Chivu said, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“He has given them an identity in a short time and you can see the coach’s ideas. Individually the players have improved and they are a team that can put anyone in difficulty.”

He insisted Inter must match that level.

“We hope our performances remain of a high level. We must show the same determination we have had over the last two months.”

Inter Coach Chivu On Respect For Juventus, Spalletti & Managing The Occasion

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

While the fixture carries historic weight, Chivu stressed the importance of emotional balance.

“There is extra motivation, but the challenge is finding motivation even against smaller teams,” he said. “This is an important match globally for what the two clubs represent.”

He also dismissed the idea that derby pressure should change preparation.

“I have always respected every opponent. I never felt the weight of a derby or a match against Juventus. The secret is not to create pressure for yourself. The game is important, we understand that from what it means to the fans and the ambitions of the club.”

Chivu even approved Juventus’ decision to send Manuel Locatelli rather than Spalletti to the pre-match press conference.

“When there are so many competitions, speaking every three days becomes difficult because the concepts do not change. I share Juventus’ choice.”

Chivu On Team News, Tactics and Juventus’ Threat

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Chivu confirmed Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu are available.

“They have trained since Monday. They have had no problems and they are available.”

He expects an intense tactical battle.

“It is important how we approach the match, especially against a team that wants to dominate. Juventus are hybrid, they have mobility. They have several ways to hurt you and they have shown that in recent games.”

He added that Inter must accept shifts in control.

“We must be ready and accept that sometimes dominance passes from one team to the other. Juventus have a high level.”

Chivu also underlined the midfield battle and Inter’s attacking potential.

“When Inter attack, they hurt you. We have quality in midfield and Dimarco gives many solutions with his delivery.”

Inter Vs Juventus – Chivu On Communication, Growth & Spalletti

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on 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)

Reflecting on the defeat in Turin and the months since, Chivu credited his players’ response.

“At Inter there is no time to think about anything except the next match,” he said. “After the 4-3 we had to go to Amsterdam and start building a positive run. It is thanks to these boys that we are here, they showed pride and we grew.”

He emphasised emotional control as a cornerstone of progress.

“Equilibrium is fundamental in football. You must control emotions. If you behave with ambition every day, everything becomes easier even in difficult moments.”

Chivu also praised Spalletti personally.

“He has improved a lot and he was already very good before. His teams play well and have a precise identity. He is a coach who has much to say in football and should be taken as an example.”

Chivu On Referees & The Thuram Brothers

PARMA, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on January 07, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Asked about refereeing debates, Chivu dismissed the narrative.

“Errors are human. The problems of Italian football are not the referees,” he said. “If Italy has not gone to the World Cup for 11 years, it is not the referees’ fault. I was chosen to find solutions, not to complain.”

He added he does not fear outside influence on officials.

“I do not see ghosts. I focus on what my players do.”

Saturday’s match will also see Marcus Thuram face his brother Khephren, a subplot Chivu views with warmth.

“I will tell him to laugh with his little brother because he loves him,” he said. “Marcus is a sunny boy and I prefer him like that. Maybe he needs to be more selfish in front of goal and more ruthless. He is generous by nature.”

Chivu reflected on the family dimension behind the rivalry.

“I put myself in the parents’ shoes, seeing two sons with one at Inter and one at Juventus. It is a beautiful story because there are values behind it.”

Despite the stakes, Chivu does not see the derby as decisive.

“We always go onto the pitch to win, but the league is still long,” he said. “Any result now makes more difference psychologically than in the table.”

For Inter, the derby represents another test of maturity, a chance to measure their growth against a resurgent rival while continuing the steady evolution that has defined their season.