Chivu confession on Lautaro Martinez problem: ‘Inter have an identity’

Cristian Chivu reveals why he failed to shield Lautaro Martinez from unnecessary criticism and urges Inter to ‘not lose our identity’ in the trip to Pisa.

It kicks off at the Cetilar Arena at 14.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Atalanta-Fiorentina and Roma-Napoli on the Liveblog.

This has been a tough week for the Nerazzurri, who suffered painful back to back defeats against AC Milan in Serie A and then Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Now the pressure is on to turn things around away to Pisa, who are unbeaten in six rounds.

“We are relaxed, because we know that in the world of football people get too fired up and then excessive in criticism the moment you lose,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“We need to find our balance in certain things, to maintain our identity and add those elements we were missing in the last two games.”

Pisa are surprisingly hard to beat under coach Alberto Gilardino, despite winning only one game all season following promotion from Serie B.

“I expect the right attitude from the whole team, that they understand the dangers of this match,” added Chivu.

“Pisa are coming off a good period of form and we know it will not be easy. We’ve got to add those small details where we were lacking in the last couple of games, but without losing our identity.”

The coach was pressed on the controversy that followed his decision to substitute Lautaro Martinez during the Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid.

“I have to make decisions, so I am not concerned,” replied Chivu.

“There is too much talk about a player who is considered one of the best strikers in the world. It is not fair on him, it is not fair on the team or for anyone to always put this criticism on him.

“He has good moments, others that are not as good. It is also my fault for not revealing that he had a fever before the derby, so he was at risk from Friday, he grit his teeth and wanted to be there.

“It is my responsibility and I take all of it, Lautaro is fundamental, along with all his teammates.”