Inter Milan Head Coach ‘Already Decided’ Starting XI For Napoli Showdown As Club Look To Break ‘The Taboo Of All Taboos’ | OneFootball

Inter vs Napoli is approaching fast and Cristian Chivu has already made his key decisions, with the Nerazzurri targeting a statement win to finally break their direct-clash taboo.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Chivu has been delivering a very different message behind closed doors at Appiano Gentile compared to his calm public tone.

The Inter coach has repeatedly stressed one clear concept to his players.

The opportunity against Napoli is the biggest of the season, especially when viewed through the lens of the league table.

Chivu & Inter Look To Learn From Reverse Clash With Napoli

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia round of 16 match between FC Internazionale and Venezia FC at San Siro Stadium on December 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu has been adamant that the mistakes made in the reverse fixture must not be repeated.

In Naples, Inter fell into Antonio Conte’s trap, losing control of both the match and their emotions.

The Romanian coach has described that second half as the worst of the entire campaign, not for tactical reasons but for a lack of mental clarity.

Psychological strength, therefore, is central to Inter’s plan.

The belief within the club is that overcoming Napoli would finally end what has been labelled “the taboo of all taboos”.

Or, the inability to beat direct rivals.

Since winning the second star, Inter have failed to beat Milan, Juventus or Napoli.

To change that trend, Chivu has already chosen his XI.

The lineup will mirror the team that dispatched Atalanta and Bologna, with only one doubt remaining.