Cristian Chivu reiterates his belief that ‘people line up to throw rocks at Inter’ and ‘stir up drama’ only against them, despite going into the game with Roma as Serie A leaders.
It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
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The Nerazzurri went into the break for international duty with a run of poor results, as the Derby della Madonnina defeat to Milan was followed by back to back 1-1 draws with Atalanta and Fiorentina.
This was called a crisis, because it cut their lead at the top of the table to just six points with eight rounds left to play.
Chivu feels Inter singled out for criticism
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 14: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Inter Milano, looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“Everyone is aware we have a very tough final stretch of the season, where we must be ready, competitive, and do our best,” said Chivu in today’s press conference.
You can read the rest of his comments here.
“The league is a marathon race, and I say a streak of 18 games with 14 victories, three draws and one defeat is setting a very good rhythm.
“Some drama is only stirred up for a draw at Inter, but not for any other club. This is how a season goes. We wanted more, but we’ll take what we have earned so far, because we are top of the table and have surpassed expectations.”
Chivu went back to the controversy over Alessandro Bastoni’s celebration as Pierre Kalulu was unfairly sent off for Juventus, and again tried to suggest Inter were being unfairly singled out in the media.
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“I’ve never seen a trial by media like the one after the Juve game. As long as it’s Inter, people want to line us all up and throw rocks. When it’s incidents that go against us, nobody says anything.
“This is something you need to question yourselves about, because I cannot give you the answers. We know that historically in Italy whoever is at the top gets hated, but we represent a glorious club and have marvellous fans.”
MONZA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 04: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, gestures during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between FC Internazionale and Torino at U-Power Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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When Chivu was asked about which referees and VAR officials should be assigned to Inter games, he was bemused.
“I am a coach, my focus is on trying to pick the best starting XI for every game. If I am meant to start thinking about the referee, VAR, assistant referees, that’s not my job, nor am I interested. If we start analysing everything else, we are chasing ghosts and afraid of everything. I trust good common sense, so my only worry is my team.”
Roma have also been stuttering lately and dropped down to fifth place in the Serie A standings.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“Gian Piero Gasperini is a great coach who managed to impose his identity on Roma ahead of all expectations. There are eight games to go, but the most important is always the next one up.
“We must show belief and intensity, accept what Roma propose on the pitch, because it is never easy against one of Gasperini’s sides. We need courage and the right ambition to take a complicated result home,” continued Chivu.
The good news is that Lautaro Martinez looks ready for his comeback, having missed out since the first leg of the Champions League play-off with Bodo/Glimt in early February.
“Every individual player is crucial for us, whether it’s Lautaro Martinez, Luis Henrique or Andy Diouf. They all know what support they can give to the team and how important it is to have them all ready, both physically and mentally,” assured the Inter coach.
