Cristian Chivu Praises Argentina Megastar As ‘A True Leader Who’s A Joy To Coach’ – Praises ‘Desire To Be Dominant’ As Inter Milan Take Revenge On Lazio | OneFootball

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu hailed his team’s performance and Lautaro Martinez’s leadership after a commanding 2–0 victory over Lazio at San Siro.  

It was a result that lifted the Nerazzurri back to the top of Serie A alongside Roma.

The Romanian coach was full of praise for the collective spirit within his squad and for captain Lautaro Martinez.

The Argentine’s goal set Inter on course for their fourth straight win in all competitions.

Speaking to DAZN after the final whistle, Chivu reflected on the captain’s consistency and calm presence.

“This is the result of the hard work he does for the group,” Chivu said, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“When you’re serene, you score. If you’re a leader, you have to stay calm always. He knows how much heart he puts into everything for the team.

“He’s a leader, and I’m happy to coach him. Whether he scores or not makes no difference to me.”

Inter 2-0 Lazio – Chivu: “We wanted to dominate, even against a dangerous opponent”

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)

The coach was pleased with both the intensity and control his players showed against Maurizio Sarri’s side.

“I liked the approach and the desire to be dominant, even against an opponent who could hurt us at any moment,” Chivu explained.

“We understood what needed to be done and did it well.”

He also reserved special praise for Petar Sucic and Carlos Augusto, two players who have grown in influence despite not being regular starters.

“I care a lot about them, we have 22 players who all work hard for the cause,” Chivu said.

“It’s never easy when you make changes because you lose a bit of balance and familiarity, but I’m satisfied with their progress. They’ve adapted well and still have big margins for improvement.”

Chivu then underlined Inter’s evolution as a team capable of sustaining a high press and constant aggression.

“It’s not easy to maintain this attitude when you play every three days,” he admitted.

“But everyone in the squad contributes, those who rotate give others time to rest, and that makes this approach possible.

“It was our seventh game in 18 days, yet these players always find the energy to dominate and meet the coach’s demands.”

Chivu: “Now a few days with my family, then focus on the derby”

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)

Attention now turns to the Derby della Madonnina after the international break, but Chivu allowed himself a brief pause to recharge.

“Tonight I’ll enjoy time with my family, watch some NFL and take a few days off,” he smiled.

“Good luck to those heading out with their national teams, I’ll have three days to work with those staying here, then the weekend off with my wife and daughters.

“When everyone returns, we’ll have two days to prepare for the derby.”

The coach even revealed he’ll spend part of his break in Madrid alongside former teammate Bobo Vieri, attending an NFL event.