Inter Milan Vs Roma – Nerazzurri Head Coach ‘Puts Up Barricades Around His Side’ Ahead Of Crucial Scudetto Run-In | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu went on the offensive at his pre-match press conference on Saturday, ahead of Inter vs Roma, defending his players with a vigour and volume that Corriere dello Sport describe as unprecedented even by his own combative standards.

“On the eve of the Roma clash, Chivu raises the barricades,” Corriere write, via FCInterNews.

“But since the best defence is always attack, the Romanian coach took no prisoners, replicating and even ‘haranguing’ as the occasion demanded. It was not the first time, but the volume was higher.”

The core of his argument was straightforward.

Inter are top of Serie A with a six-point lead over Napoli and seven over Milan. Yet the level of scrutiny and criticism directed at the Nerazzurri, Chivu believes, is disproportionate, and in some cases, deliberate.

“The moment is particularly delicate, only it cannot be so only for Inter,” Corriere observe, reflecting the coach’s frustration.

Inter Vs Roma – Chivu Defends Every Inter Player & Dismisses Referee Conspiracy Talk

His defence extended to every Inter player called up during the international break.

Indeed all of whom, he argued, have faced unfair criticism.

The entire club, Corriere confirm, stands behind the defender without question.

Barcelona’s concrete interest is noted but it changes nothing internally.

Chivu also praised Pio Esposito specifically, applauding the teenager’s courage and personality in choosing to take Italy’s first penalty against Bosnia despite its painful outcome.

“He recognises and applauds the courage of stepping up,” Corriere write of Chivu’s assessment.

On the subject of referee conspiracies, a narrative that has swirled around Inter since the Atalanta draw, Chivu was dismissive and firm.

He refuses to engage with that territory and sees it as a distraction from what actually matters.

What matters is simple. Three games without a win. Two points from nine available. Roma await, and Inter need to win.