Chivu: ‘Inter show of maturity’ as he ignores Lookman questions | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu saw a ‘show of maturity’ from Inter to crush Torino 5-0, but shrugged off questions about Ademola Lookman and more reinforcements. ‘There are a few days left.’

The coach had already shelved the Simone Inzaghi era in the FIFA Club World Cup, but this was his first Serie A match on the Nerazzurri bench after more time to work with the squad.

It was the ideal start, as Torino were swept aside 5-0 at San Siro by a Marcus Thuram brace, Alessandro Bastoni, Lautaro Martinez and Ange-Yoan Bonny goals.

In fact, Inter haven’t had such a strong opener to a season since beating Atalanta 6-0 in 1961.

Chivu hails Inter attitude to start season

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We worked hard and the lads gave a great response, they are trying to leave the past behind them and this was a show of maturity,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“From the first day of training, the players have embraced what they need to do, got their heads down, and that is why they were in such good shape today. It was not to be taken for granted after a complicated summer without much time to prepare.

“It’s not just about legs, but mentality too. Mentality gives you that little something extra and we are working hard on that aspect.”

Although he is no stranger to San Siro as a player, this was his first experience in this arena as the coach of Inter.

“Returning to this stadium as the coach of a club where I helped write important pages in the history books, that’s special. However, I am concentrating on the present, because this is a big responsibility.”

The high press was particularly effective against Torino, who made two big mistakes playing out from the back, but it has risks too when Inter’s own defenders aren’t particularly fast.

“You need the right attitude from the whole team when pressing, so we’re working on the timing and the reading of situations. Obviously, it is not easy, but I am not afraid of anything.”

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Lautaro Martinez of Internazionale runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Gvidas Gineitis of Torino during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There was only one new signing in the starting XI, midfielder Petar Sucic, while Bonny scored on his debut just a few minutes after coming off the bench.

Andy Diouf and Luis Henrique also came on in the second half with the result already locked down, but Chivu was pushed on the need for more reinforcements.

“I would prefer to talk about the game, but there are still a few days left in the transfer session, so we’ll have time to discuss it.”

The coach was asked if he had tried to sign Lookman from Atalanta to play in a 3-4-2-1 formation and whether the failure of that transfer forced him to change his tactical plans.

“Lookman is not part of our squad, so I am not talking about players we don’t have,” replied Chivu.