Chivu: "Napoli will be a difficult, crucial test: focus and balance will be key"

Inter are getting ready to take to the field again. Tomorrow they will face Napoli at 20:45 CET, on matchday 20 of the league. On the eve of the match, Cristian Chivu answered journalists' questions in his press conference at the BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile.

Since the away game to Napoli, the numbers show improvement, especially in terms of defensive solidity. From your point of view, how has the team changed? "With hard work. We have tried to build on what worked, or what we attempted, with confidence and ambition. Numbers alone are not enough. We need to prove our worth for the full 90-100 minutes of a game. We've had our highs and lows, things we did well and others not so well, but always with the desire to improve"

The Napoli faced in October was different from the team today. How different do you expect the match to be? "Not much time has passed, but they have changed system and some players. They still have a strong, intense and top-quality squad. It will be a tough match for both sides, decided by key moments. When two teams of this level face each other, you need focus and precision."

Inter head into the game with a four-point lead. Are you more focused on extending the gap or worried about them catching up? "It depends who you ask. We want to go seven points clear, they want to close the gap to one point. But between talking and achieving, there's effort, focus and balance. Nothing is guaranteed. The only thing we know for sure is that we have worked hard and that we are ready for a big game, knowing it could shape the season."

Lots of people are talking about a Chivu vs. Conte clash. How much does that motivate you? "I have huge respect for Coach Conte. He's a winner, he's achieved a lot and he knows how to evolve. Us younger coaches have a lot to learn from him. But there is no Chivu vs. Conte. There are two teams and the players. Football belongs to the players and fans. The coach plays a part, but is not at the centre of everything."

What do you expect from your side in terms of mentality? "I don't consider this game more important than any other. To get here we had to face Parma, Bologna, Atalanta. The league is a marathon of 38 games. We've had highs and lows, but also the strength to bounce back. Compared to October, we have grown in our ability to manage injustices and to focus on our true value."

In big games, does Inter need to get better at handling the final minutes? "In football, there is always room for improvement. The maturity of the team, individuals and the coach's decisions are what matters. It's easy to only focus on head-to-heads, but the reality is we are top of the table. Every game are equally important."

Has this positive run eased any fears in the dressing room? “I’ve never seen fear in my players. This team has matured and understands that you always need to add something, not take away. When you do things well, confidence and self-belief grow, and so do your chances of winning.”

How much has Luis Henrique grown? "He's improved a lot tactically. He works with humility, he listens and learns. Today he plays consistently and helps us a lot. Wearing the Inter shirt and playing at San Siro isn’t easy but he has shown character and strength. We are happy to have and to see him play, we are aware of his abilities and that he can still grow. I congratulate him."

What’s the status of Darmian and Dumfries? “Darmian has been training with the group for two days, but he won’t be called up; I hope to have him back soon. Dumfries is still in recovery and should start reconditioning at the end of the month. We’ll see, I’m not a doctor, I’m just speaking in terms of hope.”

Does all the talk about referees affect your peace of mind? “We’ve decided not to let it influence us. We need to be stronger than any injustice. Making excuses is the easy way out, but that’s not what I expect from my players. If we lose, we lose on our own terms. First and foremost, we’re people, then athletes.”

How much did it help the team to bounce back? “I wouldn’t wish anyone to go through a Champions League final defeat. But these players had the courage to face it and rise again. Strong people fall, they cry, and then they get back in the game. That’s exactly what Inter did, and that’s what matters most.”