Chivu warning for Inter and Napoli: ‘Dangers around every corner in Serie A’
Cristian Chivu warns today’s results show ‘the dangers are always just around the corner in Serie A,’ as Inter beat Parma to go four points clear of Napoli in top spot.
The Nerazzurri knew that Napoli had been held 2-2 by Hellas Verona in the earlier kick-off, so this was a huge opportunity to go four points clear at the top ahead of this weekend’s showdown.
It proved a tricky test in Chivu’s old hunting ground, but Federico Dimarco sprung the offside trap on a Francesco Pio Esposito lay-off to open the scoring before half-time.
Ange-Yoan Bonny had a goal against his former club disallowed for Marcus Thuram’s handball, only for Thuram to score moments later for the 2-0 result at the Stadio Tardini.
Chivu content with Inter focus at the Tardini
“It is never easy to play in Serie A, you always have to prove yourself in every game,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
“The weather conditions made it particularly tricky this evening too, but we played with maturity trying to break down their low block, putting a few more crosses in than in recent matches.
“What counts at the end of the day is the attitude of these lads, which was exceptional again this evening.”
Now Inter are four points clear awaiting Milan’s game against Genoa tomorrow evening, but above all before Sunday’s Scudetto head-to-head with Napoli.
“Statistics and numbers re nice to read, but what matters is the hunger and ambition shown on the pitch,” responded Chivu.
“Serie A is not easy, nobody can be underestimated, the dangers are always just around the corner.”
Parma also created scoring opportunities, as they rattled the frame of the goal with Jakob Ondrejka’s volley, while Yann Bisseck and Francesco Pio Esposito did the same at the other end.
“Every time they intercepted one of our passes, you could see Parma be dangerous on the counter-attack, especially with Mateo Pellegrino’s ability to hold up the ball for quicker teammates player Ondrejka and Oristanio.
“We could’ve moved the ball around a bit quicker and put better crosses in to cause them problems.”
Chivu made a few changes to his Inter line-up, resting some players ahead of the showdown with Napoli on Sunday, but Manuel Akanji kept his spot in the back three.
“He is important for the team, just as Bisseck, Acerbi and De Vrij are,” replied Chivu.
“Carlos Augusto had a great performance in the back three too, he did really well to plug the gaps. It is never easy to play against a low block, because you’ve got to keep the concentration levels high.
“You risk getting a bit too impressed with your own ability to pass the ball around and that leaves you surprised if there’s a counter-attack.”