Inter Coach Chivu Declares No Fear After Double Win

Pre‑season kicks off at Appiano Gentile

Inter began their pre‑season training today at the Appiano Gentile ground, and head coach Cristian Chivu sat down with president Beppe Marotta for a press conference to outline the club’s ambitions. “The most important thing right now is motivation, because it’s never enough in terms of ambition and what we want to do next,” Chivu said, stressing that the team will not rest on last season’s success. The session marks the start of preparations for a campaign where the squad aims to improve on the Serie A and Coppa Italia double won in 2026.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu sets ambitious sights beyond last season’s Double

Chivu emphasized that the squad now has “50 games under my belt now, no longer 13,” highlighting the experience gained and the drive to be competitive on every front. “I’ll do my best, we want to be competitive on every front, and have the ambition to do even better than last year,” he added. The coach’s message is clear: the Double was a strong start, but the goal is to push further and secure more silverware.

Squad overhaul and key departures

Inter are revitalising the squad as veterans like Yann Sommer, Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi and Denzel Dumfries have left the club. “We lost players who wrote the history books here, and we want to thank them,” Chivu noted, describing the new mix of youth and experience as competitive. The coach stressed a desire for “intensity and courage, without complaining,” underlining the fresh direction for the team.

Champions League playoff disappointment

While excelling domestically, Chivu’s Inter stumbled in the Champions League play‑offs, crashing out after defeats to both Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. “You cannot have everything in life. We got two games wrong, but I take the positives from the experience,” he said, acknowledging the setbacks while maintaining confidence that the team played on level terms with top clubs. The losses fuel the coach’s focus on improving courage, determination and match‑day aggression.

Transfer updates and tactical plans

The transfer market remains active as Inter evaluate options. Benjamin Pavard, who had a loan stint at Olympique Marseille, is back and considered a key player: “He is our player, we all know the choices he made last year. He’s back now, we’ll see him at work, and then make a decision.” Efforts to replace Denzel Dumfries have been turbulent; Marco Palestra joined Chelsea, and Anan Khalaili’s move from Union Saint‑Gilloise ended after a failed medical. Chivu also revealed a “cunning plan” to use Andy Diouf in an unfamiliar role.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano lifts the Coppa Campioni d’Italia trophy following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

New tactical edge with Andy Diouf

Andy Diouf’s versatility is becoming a focal point of Inter’s tactics. “I have this crazy idea to use Andy Diouf as a wing‑back, and at times in games he really does have the right courage to take men on,” Chivu explained, noting that the player has already shifted momentum in matches such as the win against Como. “There will be matches where he is used in midfield, but I like him as a wing‑back, he has characteristics we are lacking,” the coach added, highlighting the willingness to experiment for greater effectiveness.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Overall, Chivu’s message is one of confidence and ambition. He insists “We do not fear anybody,” and declares “I have nothing to prove, if not to myself.” With a blend of seasoned leadership and fresh talent, Inter appears ready to chase more trophies and rewrite its own story in the coming season.