Chivu Explains Tactical Confusion In Inter Milan 2-1 Urawa Diamonds Win: ‘We Expected A Different Match’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu says that Inter Milan “expected a different match” with their tactics against Urawa Red Diamonds.

Chivu gave his thoughts in a press conference after the 2-1 Club World Cup win, as reported by FCInterNews.

Cristian Chivu has managed to get his first win as Inter Milan coach.

It didn’t come easy against Urawa Red Diamonds.

The Nerazzurri had nearly all of the possession of the ball.

However, Inter conceded early on, with Ryoma Watanabe scoring after they were caught out completely on the break within the first fifteen minutes.

From then on, the pattern was clear. Urawa Reds dug in and defended their penalty area, whilst Inter tried to break them down.

That proved to be a very difficult task. The Japanese team defended with composure, physicality, and organization. They didn’t allow Inter any time or space to create telling chances.

In the end, it was Inter captain Lautaro Martinez who finally found the back of the net. And it was with Inter’s first shot on target of the match.

The Argentine scored with an acrobatic overhead kick from a corner.

And then, it proved to be substitute Valentin Carboni who was decisive. The 20-year-old scored in stoppage time to break Urawa hearts and give Inter a vital first win at the Club World Cup.

Cristian Chivu: “Inter Expected A Different Match” Vs Urawa Red Diamonds

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 11: Head coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale Milano after disembarking at Los Angeles International Airport for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Inter Milan started the match in a 3-4-2-1 shape. However, in the second half they changed things up to move of the classic 3-5-2 system that they’ve used for several years.

Nerazzurri coach Cristian Chivu explained the reason for this. “We expected a different match,” he said.

“I didn’t expect such a low block from them.”

Chivu said that Inter “wanted superiority in the middle of the pitch, thinking that they’d try to press us higher up.”

“If we hadn’t conceded, maybe I would have continued with the same system. But after going behind, we needed another striker in the area, to meet some crosses.”

“Because we weren’t breaking through in the middle,” the Nerazzurri coach admitted.

“We added Pio, and had two box-to-box midfielders to attack the space behind.”

“We asked them to shoot from outside the area. And to cross. Those were our two objectives.”

Chivu then added that “it’s great for me how it ended.”