AC Milan Vs Inter Milan – Nerazzurri Head Coach Reveals France Star Could Miss Derby & Praises Under-Fire Italy Defender | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu delivered one of the most compelling pre-match press conferences of his Inter Milan tenure on Saturday, revealing a late fitness concern over Marcus Thuram while offering a masterclass in calm, focused leadership ahead of what could prove the defining night of the Serie A season.

The Inter head coach spoke at length from the BPER Training Centre, with quotes via FCInterNews, addressing everything from tactical adjustments and individual player form to the psychology of derby football and the very nature of his side’s transformation since last November’s defeat.

A ten-point lead over AC Milan means two results from three would be enough to take a giant stride toward a first Scudetto under his guidance, yet Chivu showed no signs of a man looking over his shoulder or dreaming ahead.

Milan Vs Inter – Chivu: ‘Thuram Has A Fever’

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The most pressing news concerned Marcus Thuram.

The France international, who has struggled for form in recent weeks, was absent from Saturday’s training session due to illness, and his availability for the evening kick-off suddenly became less certain.

“Today we had a problem with Marcus,” Chivu confirmed.

“He has a bit of a fever and was not able to train with us. We hope tomorrow he will be at 100% and will make himself available to the group.”

It is a concern Inter could have done without, particularly given the continued absence of captain Lautaro Martinez.

On Lautaro, however, Chivu struck a warm and affectionate tone, making clear the Argentine’s influence extends well beyond the pitch even in his current injured state.

“Lautaro is improving and is present with us every day. He is trying to recover as quickly as possible and to help us as staff and as a squad. He is always there with a word, today he was at lunch with us, and I am pleased about that because you can see the leadership of a captain who cares deeply about this team and about everything good we have done so far.”

Chivu Drops Selection Hint On Calhanoglu

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The question of Hakan Calhanoglu’s readiness was equally significant.

The Turkish midfielder has been gradually building his fitness after an injury-interrupted period and played an hour against Como in the Coppa Italia.

Chivu’s response was careful but broadly positive.

“Calha is fine, for tomorrow he is available and the hour he played at Como was useful. We will see tomorrow.”

The implication is that Calhanoglu could start, though Chivu was unwilling to commit publicly.

On the tactical approach, the Inter coach was thoughtful and precise.

He acknowledged that the first derby this season saw Milan press Inter back at times, and stressed that reading the game’s shifting moments would again be critical.

“You have to understand the moments during a match,” he said.

“At the first derby, there was a first half where they sometimes forced us to drop deep and defend low. It is not about the game plan, you have to understand what the opponent will do and the moments. You have to be aware of their strengths, where they can hurt you, and try to avoid errors that allow their characteristics to shine. That doesn’t mean being passive. Going to speculate in a game like this is not for us, but I believe we have improved in understanding what to do in certain moments.”

Chivu Marks Napoli Defeat As Turning Point In Inter Season

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia round of 16 match between FC Internazionale and Venezia FC at San Siro Stadium on December 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

When asked whether the side had changed since November’s defeat, Chivu offered a revealing response that placed the derby itself in its correct context.

“From defeats you must always improve and learn because they allow you to analyse certain things more deeply. In the league after that match, but actually a little before too, there was a clear growth visible. What had been missing was the mental switch and maintaining a positive, concentrated attitude for the full 100 minutes of a game.”

He paused before adding, with characteristic precision: “For me the switch did not happen at the derby. It happened after the Napoli defeat, when we lost 3-1. The derby was the consequence of an episode that went against us. We lost that game, but the growth was already evident.”

The psychological dimension of being favourites was addressed directly when asked about having two results from three in the derby context.

“We cannot change our identity, what we have tried to sustain from the beginning,” Chivu said firmly.

“We must be good at understanding the moments without losing what has allowed us to have good results up to now.”

On the mental preparation of his players, he was equally measured.

“From the start of the year we have had mental preparation for matches regardless of the opponent. We have grown under this point of view. We have a different approach to games now, we neither underestimate nor overestimate anyone. What counts is managing what we are and what we want to do.”

Chivu Defends ‘Mature’ Bastoni

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Alessandro Bastoni of Internazionale looks on during the warm up prior to 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)

Much of the pre-derby conversation in Italy had centred on Alessandro Bastoni, who faces the prospect of being whistled by a capacity San Siro crowd following the Kalulu controversy.

Chivu was unequivocal in his support, both for the player’s character and his performances.

“These are things that he and we cannot control,” he acknowledged.

“It is the consequence of what happened and it will last a while, I believe so, probably. We are sorry about it, because football needs to remain a game.”

He then spoke with evident warmth about the defender’s resilience.

“Ale is a mature, strong person and he knows how much his teammates count on him and how much we all need him. That gives him comfort and strength, our respect and the embraces we give him every day help him. His performances, despite the whistles, have been of excellent level both at Lecce and at Como. That shows that despite the emotional difficulties a player can experience, even without great fault, it does him honour that he can express himself at a high level. We are very pleased.”

Milan Vs Inter – Chivu Has Faith In Pio Esposito

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 23: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Pisa SC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 23, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

On Pio Esposito, who will start in Lautaro’s place, Chivu offered a description that felt like both an honest assessment and a quiet rallying cry.

“Pio has the good fortune to have teammates alongside him who help and try to transmit serenity to him. His individual ability to understand the reality he finds himself in, and his work ethic, help him, it is no coincidence that he is having an impressive season for a young player who was playing in Serie B last year.”

He smiled before adding: “Pio perhaps does not have the speed of Marcus or Bonny, but he is so good at certain things, the link play, the hold-up, moving into the box where he is devastating, sharp and smart despite his young age. We enjoy his qualities and are all very happy with what he is doing right now.”

Chivu On Allegri

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 21: Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri smiles during the Serie A match between Juventus and Empoli FC at Allianz Stadium on October 21, 2022 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

On the question of whether Dimarco and Esposito, lifelong Inter fans, might feel extra pressure in the derby, Chivu dismissed the concern with a confident swipe.

“They are professional players who understand the importance of the derby regardless of which team they support or where they come from. What counts is professionalism, the group, respect for teammates, the club and the supporters.”

The final question touched on Massimiliano Allegri, and Chivu’s response was generous to a fault, the humility of a young coach paying genuine tribute to one of the game’s most decorated managers.

“I am the last person who can afford to speak about Max,” he said, “because someone who has won six championships, so many trophies… we can only learn from him as a coach and as a person. I have the good fortune to know him. We were in contact when I was at Parma, a little less now. I am pleased to deal with people who understand football and know how to behave in certain situations. We can only learn from him, he has so much to give.”