Fiorentina Vs Inter Milan – Chivu Admits France Star ‘Can Do Better’ & Reveals Why Club Chose Media Silence After Atalanta Draw | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu delivered a composed and candid pre-match press conference ahead of Inter Milan’s trip to Fiorentina on Sunday, addressing the media silence after the Atalanta draw, the form of Marcus Thuram, and the growing pressure from Napoli and Milan as the Scudetto race enters its most critical phase.

The Nerazzurri travel to the Franchi knowing that both Napoli and Milan will have already played, results that will pile further weight onto a fixture that was already significant.

Nine league games remain. Chivu is acutely aware that this is where seasons are won and lost, and his words before the game reflected a man determined not to let external noise derail everything his squad has built.

Chivu Admits Season Isn’t Over Yet As Milan & Napoli Gain Ground

On the pressure created by Napoli’s recent form and Antonio Conte’s public comments, Chivu refused to take the bait.

“Football is pressure,” he said firmly, with quotes via FCInter1908.

“Nobody has ever written off the chasing teams, the season is still long and many games remain. Everything is possible. We are aware of our journey, of what we have done and of the ambitions of the other teams who rightly believe they can compete until the end.”

He was equally measured when asked whether Inter’s work deserved greater recognition.

“We have always thought there are 27 points to play for. In a three-points era, everything is possible. We think about being competitive, about doing well as we have done so far. So we must keep thinking about ourselves and give even more continuity to our ambitions and our path in the league.”

Chivu Defends Post-Atalanta Blackout: ‘I’d Rather Not Make Excuses’

One of the most significant moments came when Chivu was asked directly about the decision to impose a media blackout after the Atalanta draw, the two-hour dressing room summit that ultimately led to Inter refusing all post-match interviews.

His explanation was revealing.

“It was a decision taken together after what happened on the pitch last Sunday,” he said. “I prefer to always talk about football, not to focus on things that can create alibis or excuses. We made some technical and tactical errors in that match. We asked ourselves what we could have done better. So we must not think about the mistakes of others because those are things we cannot control.”

It was a carefully worded but unmistakable reference to the refereeing controversies, acknowledged but firmly set aside.

On the three-game winless run and the question of whether Lautaro’s absence alone explains the goal drought, Chivu was honest about the broader picture.

“There is a bit of everything, it is physiological during a season to have less brilliant moments. But we must also look at what we have achieved. We see our improvement and what we need to recover in terms of energy and ambition, without losing sight of the journey and the path. Nobody gives you anything, you have to go and take it.”

Fiorentina vs Inter – Chivu: ‘Thuram, Like All The Others, Can Do Better’

The question about Thuram was one of the sharpest of the afternoon.

The France striker has been one of the most discussed figures in Italian football over recent weeks, his goal drought and below-par performances drawing widespread criticism from the media and supporters alike.

Chivu’s response walked a careful line between honesty and support. “He and all the others can do better and they know it,” he said. “Everyone is working every day to be at the level of the squad from every point of view. I have no more advice to give. At a moment when every match becomes a final, everyone needs to take responsibility to become their best version.”

On Alessandro Bastoni, who will miss the trip to Florence as he manages his shin injury, Chivu confirmed the defender would travel to Italy’s training camp and be assessed there.

“The players now represent Inter, and then I hope they will have two important games with Italy. At this moment our players are thinking about Inter and contributing to the league path. Those who go to the national team will prepare the match in the best way, aware that Italy is a strong team that can and must win the first game. Bastoni is not called up for tomorrow, he will be evaluated with the national team when he arrives.”

Chivu Reveals Dental Problems Behind Bonny Absence

A minor but telling detail emerged regarding Ange-Yoan Bonny, whose absence from recent matchday squads had gone largely unexplained.

Chivu shed light on the situation.

“There are a thousand things that happen in these days, you cannot say all of them. These are things that occur and we are here to sort them out. He had dental problems before the Atalanta game and again this week. He will definitely sort it out next week during the break.”

Chivu closed with a characteristically forward-looking assessment of his squad’s mindset ahead of the run-in.

“Well. Our season is testimony to a very mature team with the desire to put their faces on the line in the context of the journey we have made over these years. We have nine games left and we must bring out the best of what we are. They have done it in the past, so I am aware and confident they will do it again in the future.”