Chivu: ‘No favourites in the derby, anxiety not good for Inter’

Γνώμη/Editorial • Από: PROBET Editorial • Δημοσιεύτηκε: 22/11/2025 13:45

Cristian Chivu insists ‘there are no favourites’ in the Derby della Madonnina, as Inter are without Denzel Dumfries against AC Milan. ‘I don’t want excessive pressure, because anxiety lies to you.’

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.

The Nerazzurri will be without Dumfries, who has not recovered from an ankle knock sustained with the Netherlands squad, but Marcus Thuram should be back in the starting XI after skipping international duty.

“This is a fascinating match for all it represents, and we know what it means for the fans,” said Chivu in his press conference.

“They want to have a relaxing Monday without getting mocked by their friends, and this is what makes football so great. We know what we want to do. The world is watching us.”

The Nerazzurri go into this weekend as joint Serie A leaders with Roma, but also knowing they have not won any of the last five competitive meetings with their city rivals.

“The table is very tight and we’ve got to get these three points, but the derby is a separate fixture and there are no favourites in this situation.

“We’ve got to step out there with the right determination in every match, not just the five-star fixtures. The league runs for 38 rounds.”

First Derby for Chivu as Inter coach

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Cristian Chivu head coach of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Chivu was an Inter player, but this will be his first experience of the Derby della Madonnina as a coach, whereas Max Allegri is returning after a decade away at AC Milan.

“I do already know how you experience the derby and the week leading up to it, and at times the build-up can become excessive. I hope it will be an entertaining match, because we want to give a good impression of Italian football.”

Allegri was already playing mind games in his interviews, assuring that Inter are the favourites against their rivals.

“There are no favourites in the derby,” reiterated the Inter boss.

“I try to motivate my players in every game and not just in these situations. We must be determined and understand the various moments of the game, winning a few more duels and challenges to steer the momentum our way.

“We know the qualities of Milan, they can be lethal on the counter-attack, but that doesn’t mean we have to change our own style of football. We must be prepared to face different things.”

While Inter have struggled in the big games so far this season, Milan have done the opposite, dropping points with the smaller opponents and then winning matches when they were under the cosh for long periods.

“We all know Max is a winner, he is the coach I think with the most Serie A titles currently in activity. He has experience and is a great motivator, he doesn’t just do the simple things.

“I see a different Milan since he has been there. There will be moments when we need to suffer, and others where we must be able to dominate without losing our balance. Sometimes that means muddying the waters and throwing a few extra fouls in.”

Lautaro Martinez returns from international duty and is ready to start, despite some fatigue and the upcoming Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

“Lautaro has the experience and determination to understand where he has to be, presses with grit and intensity. He is in my mind a complete striker on the international stage, so we are happy to have him as our captain and our centre-forward.”

Having been a Serie A player, Chivu fully admits he is trying to bring a different approach to some of the issues within the league, including off the field.

“Italian football is fascinating because it is the most difficult. Perhaps other leagues are more light-hearted in their football, but that doesn’t mean Serie A has something less. It is certainly tougher.

“I did not put the team into a pre-match training retreat because it does not guarantee me a victory. I think it is good to give players more time with their families, seeing as we have such a packed schedule. I’m not saying my version of doing things is right or wrong, but I am trying to give some mental comfort to my players,” continued Chivu.

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Cristian Chivu FC Internazionale head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“I don’t want excessive pressure on the lads, I want people who are enjoying their football and want to push forward their ambitions.

“Football is such a b****rd that it changes from one day to the next, so you’ve got to take it one game at a time, not lose energy over feeling sad and tense.

“Enjoyment is always positive and you have to enjoy the little things. Anxiety makes you see the worst case scenario and it mustn’t be listened to, because it lies,” added Chivu.

“It doesn’t let you express your real worth. Italian football is very competitive, which makes it marvellous, but we should add more to that.

“I can also say that abroad football journalism is just turning up and stamping the attendance card, but here you are more passionate and ought to smile a little more, without worrying about goals conceded or play-offs.

“Football remains the most beautiful aspect of this country.”