Chivu: I admire Gasperini, but Thuram’s return still uncertain

Inter coach Cristian Chivu admires Roma’s Gian Piero Gasperini, but Marcus Thuram’s return date remains uncertain.

Chivu previewed Saturday’s Serie A match between Roma and Inter at a press conference on Friday.

“Roma have done well to give continuity to Ranieri’s work. Gasperini has added man-marking and they’ve found he right balance, maintaining solidity,” said the Nerazzurri boss as quoted by Fcinter1908.

“They are a well-organised team, they defend well, and they know how to read the moments of a match.

“They press with courage when needed, but they also know how to defend deep with a goalkeeper who is doing really well. We’ll need clarity to recognise the opportunities when they allow something, and we just need to be alert to act as quickly as possible and hurt their defensive organisation.”

Chivu played under Gasperini for just a few months, given that the Italian tactician was sacked by Inter after just three games in the 2011-12 campaign.

“My experience with Gasperini was brief, but I had a very good impression,” Chivu said.

“That was confirmed by what he continued to do with the innovation he brought to Bergamo. At a certain point, we were inspired by him. We realised it was something achievable for Italian football. He has all my respect and admiration, just as he did when he was my coach. I went through a pre-season I hadn’t experienced in years. He tried to change the system; I would have been his left centre-back. We enjoyed it, but unfortunately, the results didn’t come. He was dismissed early, but later he proved his value and his ideas. I’m happy because he’s become who has inspired many young managers.”

When asked when injured striker Thuram could return to action, Chivu replied: “I don’t know,” but then added: “I have three forwards available, all of whom are capable of interpreting the role regardless of the opponent. They’re also good at improvising if needed.”

There has been a lot of noise around Francesco Pio Esposito in recent weeks, and Chivu didn’t seem surprised.

“We must be aware that he’s an Inter and national team player, so pressure is part of the game,” he said.

“It’s annoying when people start making meaningless comparisons. He’s shown that, even at 20, he knows how to handle himself and his responsibilities. He needs to adapt to the club’s demands and to international football. He’s an international player and an important profile, appreciated and admired everywhere.

“But we shouldn’t forget he’s still a young man; his life has changed completely in just two months. It’s what we wanted; he’s on stage now, and he has to dance. He has to learn how to stay there and also accept mistakes. The most important thing is that he has room for improvement.”

Chivu didn’t only play under Gasperini at Inter, but is also an ex-Roma defender, as the Giallorossi were the first Italian club he joined in 2003, when he completed a permanent move from Ajax.

“The four years I spent in Rome were really important to me. I had the chance to experience what was the most beautiful league in the world with a coach like Capello, who wanted me there.

“I also had others, Spalletti, Voller, Bruno Conti and Luigi Delneri. I fell in love with a country like Italy and with everything it gave me. I’ve been here since 2003, and I thank Italy for how it welcomed me. My time in Rome allowed me to grow as an athlete and as a man.”

Roma are the Serie A table leaders alongside Napoli with 15 points in six matches. Inter sit fourth, level on 12 points with Juventus and one point below Milan.