Chivu: ‘I saw positive Inter elements, but we need to cancel out the past’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu insists he saw ‘positives’ from Inter in their 4-3 defeat to Juventus, but also feels they need to ‘cancel out what happened in the past’ to shake off that anxiety.

The Nerazzurri had managed to twice fight back from a goal down to go 3-2 up thanks to the Hakan Calhanoglu double and a Marcus Thuram header.

However, Juve were revitalised after spending much of the second half pinned back into their own box, as Khephren Thuram was allowed to nod in a free kick and Vasilije Adzic popped up with a long-range rocket in stoppages.

Chivu looks on the bright side for Inter

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Hakan Calhanoglu of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale at on September 13, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“I think we had a really good performance in the first and second half,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“Unfortunately, there are moments in the match, especially in the final 10 minutes, where we were lacking. Overall, we came here to take the initiative, play with character, try to win and not settle for less. We lacked sharpness and didn’t realise something different was required in the last few minutes.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Juventus 4-3 Inter

This was the second consecutive Serie A defeat for Inter, who had also fumbled an advantage to lose 2-1 against Udinese before the break for international duty.

“We should’ve dealt with certain moments better, as from the start Juve were never ashamed to boot the ball into the crowd when they were in trouble,” continued Chivu.

“It’s about understanding when you should and shouldn’t do certain things during a match. If you used up a lot of energy to turn a game around, you should control it differently in that situation. It’s about experience, but we want to look at the positives, even if we return with the regret of being empty-handed.”

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano reacts after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

If there is a positive from tonight for Chivu, it is the return of Calhanoglu, who scored two fantastic individual goals and took control of the midfield after a summer of tension.

“I think the performance and character of the whole team was a positive. Calha did what we all expected, because this is his quality, it’s what he gives to the team,” insisted the coach.

Is there a psychological frailty in the squad that might still be suffering after the 5-0 Champions League Final loss to Paris Saint-Germain?

“I saw good things tonight and in the second half against Udinese, even if we didn’t pick up points. We keep going, we need to cancel out some things that happened in the past so that we can have the calm and focus to bring home results. I cannot complain about how hard the team is working, that is for sure.”