Chivu reflects on Inter Milan’s hard-fought victory over Juventus

Cristian Chivu praises character but admits performance lacked clarity

Cristian Chivu, Inter Milan’s coach, analyzed the victory against Juventus in an interview with Sky Sport via Fcinter1908, offering a detailed look at both the team’s strengths and the challenges faced during the match.

“We suffered in this game. It had been two years since we last won a direct clash, and the players felt that,” Chivu explained. “But with heart and focus on what we had to do, we managed to win. 

I take credit for the character and the determination to make an impact against a team that, under Spalletti, can trouble anyone. I congratulate them—they are a top team.”

On the controversial red card shown to Kalulu, Chivu commented: “For me, it was a light touch, but a touch nonetheless. You have to acknowledge it. When I suffered wrong calls for light touches in the Champions League, I told my players not to give the referee an easy decision. 

The touch is a touch, even if light, and it must be admitted. My player felt the hand because he went for the ball first; the decision was a second yellow. Experienced players like Kalulu must sometimes keep their hands to themselves. 

As a player, with a yellow card, I wouldn’t put my hands on an opponent, especially after a challenge and with a counter movement.”

Chivu explains tactical decisions and highlights Juventus’ challenge, emphasizing the team’s character and mental resilience despite difficulties

Cristian Chivu also discussed tactical decisions during the match: “I substituted Bastoni because I feared Conceicao, although he was taken off at halftime, and maybe I would have left him in. 

I hope today’s victory can be a turning point for the team’s mental and physical block. I wasn’t fully satisfied with the team—they lacked legs and clarity to play our game. But I take an important win. I tried to transmit to them the feeling of winning in Dortmund, but the absence of victories against top teams for two years was felt.”

He also praised Juventus for their performance: “Credit to Juventus—they made it difficult for us with their style of play. 

Even with ten men, they managed to equalize. After the 2-1, we should have managed the game better, but fear of not winning put us in trouble. Yet the team’s character eventually shone through.”