Inter Milan Head Coach Praises “Show Of Character” & Claims “We Deserved The Win” Against Roma | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu was full of pride after watching Inter Milan grind out a 1-0 win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, the Romanian coach highlighted how his team responded to the challenge after the international break.

“The strength of this group is how they’ve adapted to the demands of this league,” Chivu began, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“It’s never easy after the disappointment of last season, when expectations were so high. The boys deserve great credit – they’re giving everything.

“Coming back from the break is always unpredictable, but we tried to pick up from where we left off against Cremonese.

“We pressed well and created some good counterattacks that we could have finished better.”

The coach admitted that fatigue set in after the interval but praised his players’ discipline.

“In the second half we dropped off physically, and Roma’s quality pushed us back.

“We defended carefully and, yes, we were a bit lucky at times.

“But I’ll gladly take these three points – it won’t be easy for anyone to win here. Gasperini’s team is strong and very well coached.”

Roma 0-1 Inter – Chivu Praises “Real Leader” Lautaro

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu also explained the substitution of captain Lautaro Martinez, who led the line despite not being fully fit.

“It was a bit of both, tactical and physical,” he revealed.

“He’d been struggling with a bad cold for a couple of days and still made the effort to get back to Italy as soon as possible.

“Like a true captain, he made himself available to the team and gave everything. It was his best version – humble, committed, and a real leader on and off the pitch.”

After the final whistle, cameras caught Chivu embracing his players during their celebrations – a moment the coach described with humour.

“I just happened to be in their way while they were celebrating,” he smiled.

“That moment showed how much this result meant. There are matches that define a team’s path, and tonight was one of them.

“We go home happier than we were before.”

Asked about his plans for the evening, Chivu ended on a light note:

“Milan-Fiorentina or NFL tomorrow? I’ve got both TV and iPad, so I could choose either – it depends on what my wife and kids say.”