Chivu: I ‘watched many games’ with Spalletti, Inter stars ‘available’ vs. Juve after injuries | OneFootball

Inter coach Cristian Chivu confirms Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu will be available for a Serie A match against Juventus tomorrow and reveals he watched ‘many games’ alongside Luciano Spalletti in the past.

Inter host rivals Juventus and San Siro on Saturday, and the Nerazzurri boss, Chivu, previewed the game at a press conference.

Inter vs. Juventus: Chivu’s press conference

CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

“Juventus have improved with Spalletti; he has given them an identity in a short time,” said the Inter coach via FcInter1908.

“He has shown his ideas, and some players have improved. They can make anyone struggle. We continue to hope that our performances are on a good level, with the same desire as in the last few months.”

Spalletti won’t attend a press conference today, sending Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli in front of the media instead.

“I suggested bringing Lautaro, but they didn’t agree,” Chivu said, smiling.

“For a coach, it’s not easy to talk every three days. From our perspective, there aren’t many differences between one game and another. It’s a decision I would have gladly shared.”

Barella and Calhanoglu missed the last few games due to injuries, but will be eligible against the Old Lady.

“They’ve been training since Monday. Today is Friday and they’ve had no problems, so they are available,” Chivu confirmed.

“The approach is always important, especially for a team that wants to dominate and has many ways to attack you,” he continued.

“Juventus are a hybrid; they play vertically and can hurt you in many different ways. We must be ready, as we’ve always been, to accept that the control of the game will shift from one side to the other.”

Chivu praises Spalletti: ‘A role model’

BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu played under Spalletti at Roma and still has an excellent relationship with the Tuscan tactician.

“He has improved a lot. He was already very good and has further developed,” Chivu said.

“His teams play well, with a clear identity and ideas. He’s an excellent coach, he has a lot to give to football, and he must be set as a role model. When I didn’t have the club, we watched many games together.”

Inter are the Serie A table leaders with an eight-point lead over Milan, who have a game in hand.

The Nerazzurri have been practically perfect against teams in the bottom half of the table, but haven’t won any of the last 14 Serie A matches against Juve, Napoli or Milan.

“We always go on the pitch to win, aware that there’s still a long way to go; 14 games are remaining,” Chivu concluded.

“Right now, the result of a game doesn’t make a big difference, except for the mental aspect, and I still believe the season is still long.”