Chivu: "We want to see this trophy through to the very end"

Inter gear up to face Bologna in the 2025/26 EA Sports FC Supercup semi-final scheduled for Friday, 19 December at 20:00 CET (22:00 local time, AST).

Nerazzurri coach Cristian Chivu shared his thoughts in a press conference on the eve of the match at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh:

Inter haven't won a trophy in a year and a half. Could this be an opportunity to move past that chapter and turn things around? "We take it match by match. We want to go into every game with determination and ambition. This team still has a lot of room for growth, and we want to continue improving. We've got here thanks to the new format of the competition, and after reaching this mini-tournament, we want to fight for it all the way to the end."

You'll have one less day of rest if you get to the final. Could that make a difference? Is Calhanoglu ready to play? "Calhanoglu was in training today and is available. We'll see if he starts or comes on during the game. In terms of having one less day or an extra day, we're used to playing matches in quick succession, so for now, we only need to focus on tomorrow's game."

Bologna arrived a day later. Why did you choose to train at the Pinetina and only get to Riyadh a day before the game? "We knew it would be cold. It was an intentional choice. I had requested we arrive today, but I was told it's a six-hour flight plus the two-hour time difference, so we decided to come the day before."

In recent years, Bologna have often proven to be a difficult opponent for Inter. Why is that? And what would winning a trophy after just a few months mean? "For me personally, it wouldn't change anything. I'm not in this to build a certain reputation. I'm happy for the players and the progress that we're making; we want to demonstrate that they're talented across Italy and Europe. Bologna are team that prove challenging for everybody, they have a clear identity, strong energy, and a playing style that puts all their opponents to the test. It's only through hard work that we can build a winning team, and we are fully aware of what we want to achieve."

What's it like to coach this squad? "It's a pleasure to coach these players: they've given their all to this challenge despite previous disappointments. They're united, determined, and eager to win trophies. As staff, we've done everything we can to restore confidence and passion. Sometimes you lose even when it's undeserved, but the game goes on, and progress is made".

You're top of the table, but you admitted to playing poorly twice. Is there still room for improvement in head-to-head games? "Let's not forget that some of our matches were direct clashes, like the one against Roma. But we don't need to prove anything to anyone. Every game comes with its difficulties, regardless of the opponent. We have to always give our all. It can end in victory or defeat, but you've always got to keep your head held high. We're not lacking in ambition, commitment, or desire to try to win every game".

What are your thoughts on last year's Supercoppa Derby? "I think it's in the past. Now we face Bologna. We'll do our best and see what happens."