Inter Milan Coach Cristian Chivu Warns Squad Of AC Milan Threat & Calls Argentina Star ‘Most Complete Striker In Serie A’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu faced the media at Appiano Gentile ahead of his first Milan derby as Inter coach, emphasizing both the spectacle and the responsibility of tomorrow’s fixture, whilst praising captain and star forward Lautaro Martinez.

“The derby is always different because it is beautiful, because it is broadcast worldwide, for what these two clubs represent in international football. But in the end, it is still a game, and it must be prepared like all others,” he said, with quotes via FCInterNews.

Chivu stressed the importance of approaching the match with determination, regardless of the league table.

“We know the current table is tight. Three points are three points, and you have to do everything to get them regardless of the opponent. Tomorrow will be a derby; it is not a normal match; there are no favorites. You start from 0-0 and must enter the pitch with the right determination,” he said.

Chivu On Tactical Focus And Team Preparation

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 20: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano attends a press conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on June 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Drawing on his experience as a player, Chivu explained how he prepares the team for high-pressure games.

“Being new to coaching, this will be my first derby. Luckily, I have experienced it from the other side; I know how a week and a derby day are lived, how the day itself becomes a bit long and the wait becomes too much.

“You must understand the maturity of our champions, how they experience it, they always try to give their best and get three points.

“It will be a beautiful match; I hope it will be entertaining because it’s an important image we give Italian football to the world.”

He also detailed the motivational aspect, insisting the players must maintain focus beyond just the derby.

“Attention, determination, everything I have transmitted since I arrived. Tomorrow, motivationally, the team will give something extra; for them it is normal but for me not, because I want this determination and aggression even when facing lesser teams.

“In the derby, there are no favorites; it’s 50/50. You must be determined, understand the moments, bring the episodes to your side, win a few more duels or challenges. That’s how you achieve the result.”

Chivu Full Of Praise For Rivals Milan

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 15: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 15, 2022 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

On Milan’s quality, Chivu was clear.

“We know the quality of Milan’s players, lethal in tight spaces and in open areas. They are strong; they can put you in difficulty. Matches live off incidents; sometimes the game plan is disrupted by opponents.

“You must prepare the team for multiple moments and incidents. The fundamentals are identity and stability, but you must also rely on the intelligence of the players to understand moments.”

Discussing Allegri’s tactical approach, he added.

“Max is a winner; we know what he is doing, he has won many titles; if I’m not wrong, he is the coach with the most titles in Italy.

“He’s a motivator; we can’t think of doing anything without preparing for his countermeasures. You have to be attentive, ready to do something extra physically and mentally, because sometimes you have to accept suffering if necessary; to be dominant without losing balance.

“These are important things that allow you to take something extra home.”

Inter Vs Milan – Chivu Hails Lautaro Martinez: The Complete Striker

BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Lautaro Martinez of Inter competes for the ball with of Olympiacos FC during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Chivu reserved particular praise for his captain, Lautaro Martinez, calling him “the most complete striker in Serie A and one of the most complete internationally.”

He elaborated on the Argentine’s importance in attack and defense: “When close to the opponent’s area, Lautaro has the experience and aggression to know where to position himself.

“When defending, he is the first to press with intensity and determination, trying to steal the ball and direct play. He has scored many goals and can play many years. He can still improve, but we are happy to have him as captain.”

The coach also commented on fitness and squad rotation, noting that everyone returning from national team duty is in good shape.

However, Denzel Dumfries will miss the derby due to an ankle issue.

“All are fine except Dumfries, who has an ankle problem and will be out tomorrow,” he confirmed.

Inter Vs Milan – After Lautaro Praise, Chivu On Mentality, Motivation, and Club Philosophy

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu explained his approach to preparation beyond tactics, specifically rejecting traditional team retreats in favor of flexibility.

“The retreat does not guarantee victory; I have done many, and I have never won anything for many years. It’s not the retreat that gives me emotional serenity.

“ I want to give players more free time to spend with their families; we have a packed calendar, many come from national camps. One full day together is enough because we play in the evening. I could never keep the players 24 hours in such a day,” he said.

Reflecting on past derby outcomes, Chivu emphasized focusing on the present and instilling positivity.

“I don’t open certain wounds… We know our path, we know where we are at the moment. We have more certainty about where we want to go; I am not interested in past actions.

“I want the players to give the maximum, to bring passion, grit, and a smile because football is a beautiful game. And the players should not forget their journey and how much effort they have put in.

“I want them to enjoy it while carrying the responsibility to advance our project and ambitions,” he explained.

Chivu On Psychology And Beauty

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)

He also addressed the psychological side of football, urging his squad to embrace joy and avoid negativity. “Fun is responsible; it’s appreciating the small things, like the sun today after the snow yesterday. In football, anxiety presents the worst scenario; it is deceptive.

“You should never transmit negative or anxious thoughts; it drains energy and prevents you from expressing your best as a human. Italian football has room for improvement, but we must never forget our identity, where we started, and what we are doing.

“This league is competitive and beautiful, and journalists, too, should smile more and worry less about goals conceded or 0-0 games. Football remains one of the finest parts of this country.”