Chivu reacts to 2-0 win at Lecce and Bastoni whistles

Chivu: “We adjusted at half-time and made our set pieces count”

A goal from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and a second from Manuel Akanji allowed Inter Milan to secure a 2-0 win away to Lecce, moving momentarily ten points clear of AC Milan.

Speaking to DAZN via Fcinter1908 after the final whistle at the Via del Mare, head coach Cristian Chivu analysed the performance and the key moments of the night.

On the celebration following Mkhitaryan’s opener, and whether it had been predicted on the bench, Chivu smiled:
“I don’t know what happens behind me on the bench or what they predicted. We hoped that goal would come. We had to make better use of our set pieces. 

In the first half we didn’t deliver them well enough, but in the second half we adjusted. We have players who attack space well and a player like Dimarco with a wonderful left foot.”

Asked jokingly whether Dimarco’s left foot is better than his own or that of Kolarov, Chivu replied:
“Better than mine for sure. About Kolarov, I won’t say anything or he might get offended.”

Champions League focus and Bastoni support

On balancing Serie A form with the Champions League, Chivu kept his message grounded:
“We go blow for blow, aware of the difficulties and that nobody gives us anything. We must always prove it on the pitch. What happened in Bodo is a reminder. We have to be ready for the return leg and show our best version. The tie is open and still in the balance.”

Regarding the whistles aimed at Alessandro Bastoni, the coach was clear:
“For me, it’s a closed chapter. I appreciate his professionalism. We know his value, both professionally and as a person. 

He faced the situation, admitted the mistake. That honours him. He knows the team and our ambitions come first. For me, it’s done.”

Trust in Thuram and fitness updates

Chivu also defended Marcus Thuram, who some critics felt lacked sharpness.
“I have 24 wonderful players who always try to give their best. I liked him. 

He ran, attacked depth, played with his back to goal. Like Frattesi, it was a great performance. We are all focused and calm, trying to contribute.”

On fitness updates, Chivu offered cautious optimism. Denzel Dumfries is expected to rejoin fully from tomorrow after precautionary management, while Hakan Calhanoglu could return to group training from Monday.

Inter Milan leave Lecce with three points, breathing space in the table and renewed belief ahead of a decisive European night.