Chivu: "Derby shown all over the world: I want to see a determined team"

Inter are ready to get back into league action following the international break: on Sunday 23 November at 20:45 CET, the Nerazzurri will take on AC Milan at San Siro on Serie A matchday 12.

On the eve of the clash, Cristian Chivu spoke to journalists in his press conference. The derby is always a different match that raises excitement. What aspect do you want Inter to concentrate most on tomorrow evening? "It's different because it's great, because it's shown all over the world, because there's this rivalry that is due to the history and tradition of these two teams, not just in Italy but also on an international level. In the end, however, there's a game to be played: we've prepared for it in the best way, as we always, because there's three points up for grabs. We know what it means for our fans: I want a calm Monday. The same goes for those of AC Milan. This is what makes it special. We know that all eyes will be on this game". Inter are in really good form. Could this match open the league up? "There's not much in it and it's still early. Three points are three points, it doesn't matter who you face. Tomorrow, though, won't be a normal Sunday: it's a derby, anything could happen and there are no favourites. We need to maintain our determination and attention, like in every match. There's 38 matches in the season, it's not just about the big matches". How will Cristian Chivu find this derby, his first as a Coach? And in terms of fantacalcio... should we pick Thuram and Lautaro? "Being "new" in this position, means that it's a first time for me. Luckily, I've played in lots of derbies and I know what they mean, I know how the build up is in the week before, day before and day of the match, which sometimes feels endless. I just hope that, we see a good and entertaining match, because it's important for Italian football. Fantacalcio? I don't do it, I wouldn't know what to advise".

What will you pass on to the team in the hours before the derby? And how do you respond to Allegri saying that Inter are favourites? "I transmit attention and determination, as always. From a motivational point of view, this team will give something extra, it's normal. For me, it'd be ideal to have this spirit in every match, also against smaller sides. We'll only find consistency by doing this. There are no favourites in derbies: they begin from 0-0 and 50/50. You have to make the most of the moments, win more duels and pay more attention".

AC Milan have some very good attackers in tight spaces. Will you need to make some sort of tactical change? "We know about their qualities: they are lethal in tight spaces. But, this doesn't mean that we need to change our plan. Matches are played in episodes. We need to be ready to face more moments and more variables. The principles give identity, systems give flexibility, but you often forget about the quality of the players: intelligence, experience, ability to understand what to do in decisive moments".

Allegri, in big matches, strikes in the spaces after drawing the opponents in. How can you avoid playing into their tactical plan? "Preparing a game plan is easy, the 95 minutes determine the outcome. Allegri is a winner, the coach with the most titles in Italy: he knows how to be pragmatic, but also how to make the most of the group. We're expecting something a bit different from the usual, so we will need to be prepared and mentally ready to give something extra. We also need to suffer at times, while, at other times, we need to be dominant. There's lots of aspects that can change a game plan".

Lautaro seems to be growing. What can this derby offer to the international audience? "The Italian league is fascinating, complicated and very tactically complex. Abroad, there's more focus on the attacking phase, but we think about everything here. In terms of Lautaro, he has quality, experience and instinct: he always knows where he needs to be. He's the first to press with aggression and intensity. For me, he's a complete striker. We're happy to have him as captain and as an attacking point of reference".

The pre-derby retreat, why did you not do it? "The retreat doesn't guarantee a win, I experimented for years. I prefer to give my players time at home: we're playing every three days, many are coming back from international duty. We're speaking about responsible and professional players: they relax as if they were on a retreat. For me, an entire day spent together before the match is enough. The choice isn’t about right or wrong: I want to create the most comfortable situation for my players”.

Inter won six straight derbies, then didn’t win in five. What went wrong? "I don’t open up old wounds. We know where we’ve come from and where we are now. This gives us assurances about where we want to end up. Motivating the team by saying that “we’ve not won the last five”, doesn’t interest me. We will require our best possible version of ourselves, adding some individual and collective qualities, showing passion, determination, desire, grit and a small. Football is a game, we shouldn’t forget that”. From here until Christmas, the schedule is really tough, in all competitions. Is this the time to really understand the team? "Football changes from one week to another. I take it one match at a time, that’s all I can control. If I think too far ahead, I waste energy and calmness. The players will also see this".

Thuram has not started for 50 days: how is he doing? "He’s well. He’s always trained with us since returning. He didn’t go abroad for international duty and this helped him, he needed to train to rediscover his true fitness and condition. He’s much better now". How are all the returning players doing?? "They’re all good, apart from Dumfries who had an ankle problem after the Lazio match. He didn’t train with the national team, when he came back, we found the root of the problem: he won’t feature tomorrow".

There’s lots of pressure in Italian football and not much lightheartedness. You speak of fun. Why?? "Fun is responsible: it means appreciating the small things, like the sun today after the snow yesterday. They give energy. Anxiety always shows the worst scenario: it doesn’t allow you to express your true value. You should take everything on with a small and awareness. Italian football can improve, but it mustn’t lose its identity. It’s a brilliant, difficult and competitive league. As journalists you are all also passionate: it’s brilliant. We should smile a bit more and worry less about the goals conceded and 0-0 draws. Football is the best thing about this country".