Chivu: "It'll be a hard-fought match. Ambitions are high" | OneFootball

After the Champions League, Serie A returns: Inter will take on Napoli at 18:00 CEST on Saturday 25 October on matchday 8 in the Italian top flight.

On the eve of the clash, Cristian Chivu held a press conference at the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile. This is what he had to say:

Napoli come into this after a difficult week, quite the opposite of Inter’s. In your view, what are the potential dangers in facing such a strong team with a real desire to bounce back? "What has happened matters very little. What counts is that the reigning champions of Italy are facing the runners-up. Both sides have very high ambitions. It will be a hard-fought match, with both teams wanting to show their desire to win." What kind of answers can a match like this provide between two teams who battled for the Scudetto until the very end last season? "We cannot make comparisons with last year, although we must also take into account what happened. One team won the league, the other did not. It's only matchday eight, so it's still early, but the rivalry is there. Napoli are a major force in Italian football and have won two league titles in the last three years. This is a match where both teams will want to impose themselves and show their ambition."

A rest day before Napoli vs. Inter: is that a sign of great confidence in the group? "It seems normal to me. The best training for a team is rest. We're coming off an intense period: many players were away on international duty, then we had the trip to Rome, returned at dawn, and immediately set off for Belgium. It was right to give them a day with their families. I trust their professionalism and their sense of responsibility. Sometimes, rest is more valuable than any training session."

After the win against Roma, you said that match could be a marker for the season. Could this one also help shape the league campaign? "It's an important match, no point denying it. Points matter, just as everything that shapes the course of a season matters. Although it is too early to talk about turning points, we must approach it with conviction, spirit and passion, understanding the significance of the game. We know that playing in Naples is not easy. The atmosphere will not be in our favour and we'll need a big performance, both mentally and physically."

Are there differences in preparing a match like this as a coach compared to when you were a player? "My experience has taught me that every match must be treated the same way. Only by doing so can you maintain continuity towards your objectives. You can't allow yourself to feel superior on paper, because if you do, you won’t win. Every game must be prepared with respect for yourself, your teammates and the opponent. It's the only way to always be the best version of yourself."

In recent matches, Lautaro has played alongside Bonny and Esposito. How does this change things for him and for Inter? "For me, it doesn't change anything. They are just numbers. All four forwards are compatible, selfless and work for the team. They've shown that they can play together; there aren't better partnerships than others. They've proven they can adapt and not get in each other's way. The team's performance remains the same."

There's been plenty of discussion about AC Milan facing Como in a match abroad. As a coach, what’s your view on this choice? "I've learned not to complain because it’s a waste of energy. You also have to see the positive side: football is international, and showing professionalism is part of our job. It's up to coaches and clubs to manage energy and resources. Sometimes, as I said before, the best training is rest, especially when you play a lot of matches."

There were very few goals in the last round of fixtures. Is Serie A changing? "I don't think Serie A has ever been particularly high-scoring. This shows that the teams are well prepared and that coaches study their opponents carefully. Abroad, the focus is more on playing your own game; here, attention is also paid to limiting the opponent. It’s not a bad thing - it’s just a different way of interpreting football."

Your players will face their former coach. Have you noticed any extra motivation? "I don't think it needs to be mentioned. Antonio Conte was here five years ago. Then, under Inzaghi, Inter won the Second Star and reached two Champions League finals. There's no need to look for extra motivation: we are Inter. We know who we are and what we want. We have ambition and the desire to have a great season."

Zielinski praised your work in giving everyone opportunities. Luis Henrique has played little: can you explain why? "Luis Henrique and Diouf are two talented youngsters, but they still need to adapt to Italian football. I don't consider them fully ready yet, but they're working well. Perhaps I've had less time to follow them closely because of the many games in quick succession, but they have a lot of potential. Their moment will come."