Chivu: ‘Witch hunt’ against Bastoni, haters need ‘psychological work’ | OneFootball

Inter coach Cristian Chuvu defends Alessandro Bastoni against ‘witch hunt’ and claims the defender’s haters are ‘the ones who might need some psychological work.’

Inter coach Chivu spoke to Sport Mediaset ahead of a Serie A match against Como.

The Romanian tactician once again addressed a question about the Italian international Bastoni, who has been the subject of severe criticism domestically since February.

Bastoni was booed in some away Inter games after causing and celebrating a red card for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu during a Serie A match on Tuesday.

A few weeks later, he received a red card while playing for the Italy national team in the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bastoni haters ‘might need some psychological work’

“Alessandro doesn’t need to be psychologically ‘fixed’. People have gone all out against him, creating a real witch hunt,” Chivu said.

LECCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between US Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on February 21, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

“I think they’re the ones who might need some psychological work.”

Inter ended a three-game winless streak last week, beating Roma 5-2 at San Siro.

The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders with a seven-point lead over second-placed Napoli and are also in the Coppa Italia semifinals.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 05: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, gives the team instructions during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AS Roma at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Being the Inter coach means having important ambitions,” Chivu said.

“I’m happy because we’re heading into the last two months of the season with the chance to achieve our objectives. We have a duty to believe we can win everything still up for grabs.

“My principles go beyond the expectations of someone else’s narrative,” he concluded.

“I haven’t tried to change. I’ve always remained myself. I don’t feel the need to make bold statements or seek our conflict.”