Inter, Chivu debuts: Napoli favourites, we rely on quality | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu is ready for his official debut on the Inter bench. Tomorrow evening, the Nerazzurri will face Torino at San Siro, kicking off a season that the Romanian coach describes as "still under construction," but with significant ambitions.

Inter, Chivu debuts in Serie A: "Napoli favored for the Scudetto, we focus on quality"

In a press conference, the coach outlined the guidelines of his project, discussing the market, objectives, and the challenges awaiting his team.

"Napoli favored, but we are ready to compete"

Chivu pointed to Napoli as the team to beat:

"With the squad they have and the investments made this summer, the Italian champions start ahead. I agree with Allegri: whoever wins the Scudetto remains the favorite the following year."

Acknowledgment to the Neapolitans, but without giving up the Nerazzurri's ambitions: "We have worked well, we want to start strong and grow throughout the season."

Market and strategy: "Quality, not quantity"

On the acquisition front, the coach reiterated the line shared with the club: focusing on young prospects already ready for the leap, without overhauling the squad with numerical operations:

"We prefer quality over quantity. Some targets did not arrive because the clubs declared them non-transferable, but we are satisfied with the choices made."

Inter has invested in Diouf and evaluated profiles like Lookman, but no further significant interventions are expected unless last-minute opportunities arise.

A growing group: "We are a work in progress"

Chivu does not hide that the team still needs to perfect itself:

"The preparation was intense but short. We are a work in progress: we want to improve both individually and as a collective. The first match is always the most important, but we are motivated and ready."

The coach also emphasized the importance of managing difficult moments, recalling his experience as a player in 2010: "Football is made of balance and the ability to react. Consistency in work and trust in the group are needed."

The open market issue: "Rules not decided by coaches"

On the issue of the transfer market remaining open at the start of the championship, Chivu expressed a pragmatic position:

"It doesn't depend on us; these are UEFA and FIFA rules. Of course, it would be better to start the season with a defined squad, but it's part of the game to know how to manage these situations as well."

Torino and debut at San Siro

Against Baroni's Torino, the coach expects a tough match: "They are a difficult team, well-organized, and with nothing to lose." On the fans: "I hope the support doesn't lack: the team needs their push."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.