Chivu on Inter–Juventus: ‘Spalletti helped shape them, but approach remains everything’
Inter coach Cristian Chivu met the press ahead of the Derby d’Italia, reflecting on Luciano Spalletti’s influence at Juventus, the defining moments of the season and the mindset required for Saturday’s clash on February 14 (ET).
Reunion with Spalletti adds an emotional edge
Chivu acknowledged the personal significance of facing Luciano Spalletti, a coach he respects deeply. He paid tribute to Spalletti’s work, stressing that the Juventus identity on the pitch bears the imprint of his arrival. Chivu described long-standing football conversations between them and suggested that the former relationship gives him a unique perspective on how Spalletti’s ideas have taken hold.
One match that reshaped Inter’s season
The coach pointed to the first-leg defeat earlier in the campaign as a pivotal moment. That result, Chivu said, galvanised the squad: “At Inter you have no time to think about anything. At that moment we had to start a positive run because we came from two league defeats in a row. It’s thanks to these players that they understood straight away what the staff asked and pulled out some pride. ” He framed the reaction as necessary for the team’s current position at the top of the table.
On rivalry: never let emotion dominate
Chivu was candid about how he handles high-profile fixtures. He admitted never having felt overwhelmed by the weight of rivalry, treating clashes with the biggest opponents the same as any other match in professional terms. “For the fans it’s special, ” he said, “but the only real difference is that such a game can give you extra stimulus and motivation. The key is to bring the same intensity against anyone. ” He warned against arrogance, stressing the importance of managing emotion and mental focus when facing a team with multiple ways to hurt opponents through verticality and pace.
Squad news: two starters back in training
On personnel, Chivu was concise. He confirmed that Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu returned to training on Tuesday and have been participating without problems since then. Their late reintegration leaves some doubt over whether both will start, but Chivu underlined that they are available if needed. The coach avoided detailing a final lineup, maintaining his usual reluctance to reveal selection plans ahead of a big game.
Press dynamics and managerial choices
The build-up to the derby has been marked by contrasting media strategies. Chivu noted that the opposing coach opted not to speak in the final press window, a choice he said he could understand. He added with a touch of dry humour that he would have preferred a star player to take his spot in conference, which would have mirrored the rival’s decision to send a different representative. Chivu framed such choices as understandable given the demands on a manager during a congested season.
Outlook for the Derby d’Italia
Chivu closed by stressing that, while the match is important for morale and psychology, the championship remains long. He insisted that approach and consistency will matter most: “It’s a global match, not only national. The important thing will be the approach, especially against a dominant and hybrid side. The league is still long and one result won’t make the difference except at a psychological level. ” With that pragmatic outlook, Inter prepare to face Juventus on Saturday, February 14 (ET) in a fixture that promises both history and high stakes.
