Bologna Vs Inter Milan – Cristian Chivu Delivers Huge Fitness Update On Turkey Megastar: “Available, Let’s See If He Starts” | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu delivered a promising fitness update on Hakan Calhanoglu ahead of Friday’s clash against Bologna.

During today’s pre-match conference via FCInterNews, Chivu confirmed he views the Supercoppa Italiana as a ‘gift.’

The Nerazzurri fell agonizingly short of a record-equaling ninth Supercoppa title last season.

Indeed, AC Milan performed a superb second-half comeback, beating Simone Inzaghi’s side 3-2 in the grand final.

However, Cristian Chivu is eager to go one better this term, as he seeks his first trophy in charge of the club.

Inter will take on Bologna in the second semi-final tomorrow, bidding to avenge a 1-0 defeat in their last meeting in April.

Despite entering the match as favorites, Inter would be naive to underestimate Vincenzo Italiano’s side.

For context, Chivu’s men have failed to win five of their last six games against the Rossoblu.

Therefore, Inter will likely have to bring their A-game tomorrow.

Cristian Chivu Offers Encouraging Fitness Update on Hakan Calhanoglu Ahead of Bologna vs Inter Milan Game

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Hakan Calhanoglu sustained a minor muscle injury during last Tuesday’s home clash against Liverpool.

However, the 31-year-old could return to the starting lineup tomorrow.

“Calhanoglu is available, then we’ll assess whether he starts or comes on during the game,” Chivu confirmed.  “As for playing with fewer hours of recovery, we’re used to it.

“We’d prefer to have an extra day of rest, but we’re thinking about tomorrow’s match, which is the most important thing.”

Asked about Inter’s late arrival in Saudi Arabia, Chivu replied: “It was too cold. It was a choice.

“I had asked to arrive today, but there are six hours of flight plus another two hours of flight and a two-hour time difference.”

Furthermore, he insisted that Inter will take this competition seriously.

“It’s a trophy, it’s two matches,” he added. “We have to respond blow for blow, playing every game with ambition and desire.

“The team must grow and prove itself; it has the right ambition to keep moving forward on this path.

“Since we’re here – even if we don’t really deserve it – let’s take advantage of the new format, which is a gift to us and to Milan.

“We’re here and we’ll fight it out until the end.”

Cristian Chivu Delivers Verdict on Inter Milan Recent Struggles vs Bologna

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It wouldn’t change anything for me,” Chivu was confident. “I’m not chasing reputation. I’d be happy for the players. I enjoy the daily growth.

“We’re trying to show something around Italy and Europe; the lads are good and deserve a lot from a human point of view.

“Professionally, you have to prove yourself on the pitch, but we know what we can do.

“We’ll put in commitment seven days a week. That’s the only way teams that win trophies are built.

“As for Bologna, they’re awkward for everyone, not just Inter. They were before with Mihajlovic and Thiago Motta, and they are now with Italiano.

“They have energy, and we need to match it, as Bastoni said earlier.

“Since your colleague mentioned Bologna as a head-to-head clash, let’s not forget the win over Roma, which is never mentioned.

“We know the pitfalls of every match regardless of the opponent.

“And we have to do our part, give the maximum of what we have, because nobody gives us anything.

“We must leave the pitch with our heads held high after having done everything.

“We don’t lack desire or ambition to try to win every match, even if it’s never easy.”

Chivu also commented on Inter’s failures in last year’s finals.

“As far as I know, Inter didn’t lose three finals… The Supercoppa belonged to the previous season.

“It’s an honor to coach this group, which has put itself on the line and worked hard despite the bitterness.

“The group is very united and eager to do well. It’s hungry for trophies.

“As a coaching staff, we’ve done our best to restore passion and self-belief. Football is wonderful, but also cruel when you lose undeservedly.

“We always leave the pitch with our heads held high because we know the effort we put in every day.

“What happened last year is in the past. We’re thinking about Bologna. We’ll try to reach the final, and then we’ll see.”