Chivu: Few goals does not mean Italian football is declining, it’s just a different way of interpreting football

Football 10:19pm, 24 October 2025 180

Inter Milan will challenge Naples away from home in the 8th round of Serie A. Before the game, Inter Milan coach Chivu attended a press conference.

Naples has had a difficult week.

Chivu: "It doesn't matter what happened. We are facing the Italian champions and our ambitions are very high. It will be a fierce game and everyone wants to get a good result."

What response must be given to this game?

Chivu: "We can't compare with last year, we have to look at what happened clearly. The competition is there, Napoli is a strong force in Italian football and even wider. They have won two Serie A titles in the past three years."

Does arranging a rest day mean that you trust the team?

Chivu: "A rest day is normal. We are all the same, many people did not even go home, we got up at five in the morning and could not go back after the match in Belgium. I think it is reasonable to give them a day to be with their families and children. I trust their professionalism and sense of responsibility. Because there are many games, it is sometimes difficult to train and prepare. It is reasonable for them to rest."

Can this game determine the direction of the season?

Chivu: "This is an important game and we should not deny the obvious facts. But it is too early to say so. There are many teams that have lost two games. What applies to one team also applies to other teams. The importance of the game must be understood. It must be played with belief and appropriate passion. The game will not be easy because of environmental factors. We must be mentally prepared."

What is the difference between preparing for this type of game as a player and a coach?

Chivu: "My experience tells me that all competitions must be treated in the same way. You cannot treat them differently. You cannot think that you are better than your opponent, otherwise you cannot win championships and trophies. All competitions must be treated in the same way. You must respect yourself, Teammates and opponents. That makes it easier. I've experienced teams that are harder to train, but it doesn't mean we don't prepare for the game in the right way."

What changes would it have been for Lautaro to play with Boni or Esposito?

Chivu: "Nothing has changed for me. They are four forwards who are compatible with each other. They perform the same and work generously for the team. They put the team first and for me there is no fixed partner. They know how to get along and do not step on each other's feet."

What do you think of the overseas games that will be played in Australia?

Chivu: "I learned not to complain, because it is a waste of energy. Then it is not my turn to judge, because I have not encountered this situation. I have been to Benghazi and we are professionals. The coach and the club manage resources and energy. Maybe we will learn how to deal with it and give more rest."

You have the best offense, but there have been few goals recently. Do you think Serie A is becoming more and more closed and it is difficult to score goals?

Chivu: "I don't think there is a problem. The team is well prepared, the coach is well prepared, and the game is also prepared according to the opponent. Maybe there is another mentality abroad. But this does not mean that the level of Italian football has declined. It means that there is a different way of interpreting football."

Do veterans have the desire to revenge Conte?

Chivu: "I don't think it's necessary to talk about certain things. Conte was here a few years ago and Inzaghi earned his second star through two cup finals. I don't think anyone has extra motivation just because he faces Conte. We are Inter Milan and we know what we want to be. We have the ambition to lead a great season and advance our project and the good things we have done in the past few years."

Luis Enrique has played less, what areas is he working on?

Chivu: "Diouf has played less than me, but both are working very well. They are players of a caliber and have room to grow mentally. So far, I think they are not ready, but I always take responsibility. Maybe I spend less time listening to them. But in terms of commitment, they are good players and they will break through. Their moment will come."

Mini-game recommendations:Cursed Treasure 1.5