Chivu: ‘Inter will not lose identity’ against Milan, despite 10-point advantage

Cristian Chivu warns Inter ‘cannot lose our identity’ even if a draw would suffice against Milan in the Scudetto race, and insists ‘we can all learn’ from Max Allegri.

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

The Nerazzurri are having an oddly mixed season, as while they crashed out of the Champions League play-offs to Bodo/Glimt and played a defensive 0-0 Coppa Italia semi-final first leg draw with Como on Tuesday, they are 10 points clear at the top of the Serie A table.

A victory tomorrow night against second-placed Milan could practically lock down the Scudetto with two months to spare.

Chivu wants a positive Inter approach

“It is a derby, we all know what it means for two strong teams in their own city, with big ambitions,” said Chivu in his press conference.

“We’ve got to keep the good run going, trying to be competitive and seeking those variations that can allow us to express ourselves even better on the pitch.”

Considering the vast advantage, even a draw could be treated like a success in this fixture, but the coach won’t hear of it.

“We cannot change our identity, the one we have had since the start. We’ve just got to understand the various moments of the match, without losing the approach that got us these results so far.”

Inter are unbeaten in Serie A since the last derby with rivals Milan, a 1-0 result on November 23, followed by a 2-2 draw with Napoli and 14 victories.

“Since the start of this year, we’ve improved and have a different approach to games, because we don’t underestimate or over-estimate anyone,” insisted Chivu.

“What matters is what we want to do, how we control the game, and I think that the ambitions we built for ourselves deservedly this season allow us to be without pressure, aware we are facing a strong opponent.

“Milan have top individual players, but we must be the best version of ourselves. I expect consistency on all the good things we’ve done so far, and the way we reacted to a few defeats and disappointments, such as Bodo.

“This team has the kind of belief that allows it to face every match in the same way. We’ve got to also avoid errors that can play to Milan’s strengths, but that doesn’t mean being passive.”

Did the defeat to Milan provide the switch in Inter’s season, considering they are unbeaten since then including eight consecutive victories?

“I don’t think that was what did it,” replied Chivu. “The switch was after the 3-1 defeat to Napoli. The derby was just down to an unfortunate incident that went against us, but the improvement was already evident before that.”

Max Allegri was impressed with Chivu in his press conference, so how does the Romanian see his rival?

“I am the last person who can talk about Max, because he won six league titles and other trophies. We can all only learn from him as a coach and a person. We know each other and had spoken when I was at Parma.

“I am always happy to deal with someone who understands football, who knows what to do in certain situations. He can teach us so much.”

Marcus Thuram is a doubt with flu symptoms and did not train today, while Lautaro Martinez is injured, so Francesco Pio Esposito seems to be the only guaranteed starter in attack for Inter.

“Pio is fortunate to have teammates who help keep him relaxed, but he is also helped by his work ethic. It’s not a fluke he is doing so well this season, he knows how to handle pressure.

“He doesn’t have the pace of Marcus or Bonny, but he’s so good in knocking down the ball, helping hold the ball up, playing in the penalty area.”

Lautaro Martinez might be out of action, but he is still playing a key role in the preparation for the derby.

“Lautaro is there with us every day and always ready with the right words. You can see the leadership of a captain who cares about this squad,” added Chivu.

Denzel Dumfries made his comeback with a couple of substitute appearances after ankle surgery and could potentially even start with Milan.

“He lacks match fitness, but is working well every day after three months out. Obviously, training is not the same as a match situation, so he needs more minutes, but I’m glad to have him at my disposal.”

Alessandro Bastoni has been loudly jeered by opposition fans in his last two games since the controversial Juventus incident, where he got Pierre Kalulu sent off with a simulation.

“This is something that he and I cannot control,” concluded Chivu.

“It is a consequence of what happened, I think it will probably last a while. It’s a pity, because we need football to remain just a game. Ale is a person, he knows how much his teammates count on and need him. This gives him comfort and strength, our daily respect and embraces help him.

“His performances against Lecce and Como were, despite the jeers, very good. This is to his credit that he can express himself at a high level even in these circumstances.”