Chivu: ‘They had Inter finishing 8th or 10th a few months ago’

Cristian Chivu is pleased to see his Inter team back at the top of the Serie A standings after claiming that his side had been written off in the early stages of the 2025-26 season, and has explained why he made certain changes during Sunday’s 2-1 victory away against Genoa. 

The Nerazzurri currently sit alone at the top of the Serie A standings thanks to goals from Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez in an eventual 2-1 victory over Genoa on Sunday evening. 

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Speaking to DAZN after full-time, Chivu said that he would rather talk about the game itself rather than the impact that it has had on the Serie A table. 

“I like to talk about the game and what I saw on the pitch,” he began. “It was a difficult game tonight, in this atmosphere and against a team that has been strong since De Rossi came in. I’ll take the three points, which are the most important thing.” 

Chivu explained why he decided to make certain changes before and during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Genoa. 

“The changes were made according to energy and form. Originally, at 2-0, Bonny was supposed to come on, but then I opted for Thuram because I needed more speed. I took Zielinski off and moved Akanji up because we needed two midfielders with a strong structure.” 

Chivu was then asked if he feels his Inter side have been underrated at times this season. 

He replied: “A few months ago, they had us finishing eighth or tenth because we looked finished. We’re working hard to show our value. 

“For me, we need a bit of consistency in everything, but we’re aware of what we have to do and how we have to do it. Sometimes you succeed, sometimes you don’t.” 

Up next on the schedule is a trip to Saudi Arabia to take on Bologna in the semi-final of the Supercoppa Italiana. The winner of that tie will go on to face either Napoli or Milan a few days later. 

“An important game lies ahead of us in Riyadh. We’re not looking at anything else,” Chivu said.