Cristian Chivu believes Inter Milan should fully commit to their upcoming Serie A match against Lazio, even after securing the league title. He also highlighted the symbiotic relationship between strikers Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, stating that Martinez “needs” Thuram by his side.
Speaking to DAZN Italia, Chivu stressed the importance of respecting every competition. “This is a Serie A match, the Coppa Italia is a different tournament, so we need to honour this competition, continue sticking to our principles throughout the season and keep focus, because this is a real match,” he stated. “Even if we are already the Champions of Italy, we still need to honour the competition all the way.”
With the Coppa Italia Final looming, Inter has the flexibility to rotate their squad. However, Martinez is returning to the starting lineup to regain match fitness after a recent muscular issue. Chivu explained the decision to pair him with Thuram: “Lautaro showed last week off the bench against Parma that he is doing well, we hope to get him an hour or so today to rediscover match fitness. Marcus starts because Lautaro needs his teammate right now and they work well together.”
The team, including coach Chivu and club directors, had a meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican earlier in the day to celebrate their Serie A triumph. Inter will also be wearing black armbands in memory of club legend Evaristo Beccalossi, with Chivu expressing his condolences: “We send our condolences to his family and the whole Inter family, his daughter Gaia has been working with us for many years. He represented Interismo, what it means to be part of this club, and we are sad to have lost someone so special.”
Chivu: Inter Must Respect Lazio Match, Lautaro Needs Thuram
Cristian Chivu emphasized Inter Milan’s responsibility to approach their Serie A fixture against Lazio with full commitment, despite having already clinched the league title. He also pointed out the vital partnership between forwards Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, suggesting that Martinez “needs” to have Thuram alongside him.
Chivu communicated to DAZN Italia the significance of upholding the integrity of every competition. “This is a Serie A game, and the Coppa Italia is a separate competition. Therefore, we must show respect for this league, consistently apply our season-long principles, and maintain our focus, as this is a genuine match,” he remarked. “Even though we have already been crowned champions of Italy, we still need to give our all in this competition.”
Given the proximity of the Coppa Italia Final, Inter has the liberty to make squad rotations. Nevertheless, Martinez is set to start to build up his match readiness following a recent muscle strain. Chivu elaborated on the rationale for starting him with Thuram: “Lautaro demonstrated last week from the bench against Parma that he is in good form. We aim to give him approximately an hour today to help him regain his match fitness. Marcus is starting because Lautaro currently benefits from his teammate’s presence, and they complement each other effectively.”
The Inter squad, along with coach Chivu and club officials, met with Pope Leo at the Vatican earlier today to receive congratulations for their Serie A championship victory. Additionally, Inter will observe a moment of silence with black armbands to honor the memory of club icon Evaristo Beccalossi. Chivu conveyed his sympathies, stating, “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and the entire Inter family. His daughter Gaia has been a valued member of our staff for many years. He embodied the spirit of Inter, representing what it means to be part of this club, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of such a remarkable individual.”