Chivu: ‘Inter ready to fight, but not interested in what Conte says’

Cristian Chivu warns Inter are ‘ready to fight’ after victory away to Atalanta, but won’t get drawn into more controversy. ‘I am not interested in what Antonio Conte says.’

The Nerazzurri were feeling the pressure after a disappointing Supercoppa Italiana in Riyadh, where they lost to Bologna on penalties in the semi-final and made an early return home.

They had a goal disallowed in Bergamo for offside before Lautaro Martinez made the most of a Berat Djimsiti howler, his pass intercepted by substitute Francesco Pio Esposito.

Remarkably, Esposito had only been introduced for Marcus Thuram a few moments earlier, so made an immediate impact.

“I am pleased with Marcus too today, as he worked hard and wore down their defence with the right movements, but he was running out of steam, so I introduced Pio,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“He came on with the right attitude and intercepted that ball, sending Lautaro on goal. I’m happy with the whole team today, who tried to control the game in the first half, then Atalanta stepped up their counter-measures by going man for man after the break.

“We’re also pleased with the result, because that might not be the only thing that counts, but it’s certainly important.”

Pio Esposito was the only other striker available, as Ange-Yoan Bonny had been ruled out of the trip with a sprained ankle.

“These are all players who work hard, put the effort in, and help the team when called upon. We are happy to have four great strikers, that they are all scoring goals and working well together,” noted Chivu.

It means Inter end 2025 on top of the Serie A table and with their captain scoring in four consecutive league games. Considering their pedigree and history, is their presence at the top to be taken for granted?

“Nothing can be taken for granted in football. You need to work hard and prove yourself competitive on the pitch. However, we’re not even halfway through the season yet, so we know there’s a long path ahead of us, that at times we will have to fight against injustice, against those who think it is all to be taken for granted.

“Ultimately, the only proof is on the pitch. We are giving it our all, trying to respond blow for blow to the other teams, and keeping our heads up high. We are ready to keep fighting even harder.”

Among the things they have to battle against are also the comments of Napoli coach Conte, who again said today that Inter, Juventus and AC Milan are the favourites for the Scudetto. What is Chivu’s response?

“I am not interested in what Conte says,” he shrugged.

Chivu was informed that the word of 2025 was ‘faith’ and so what would his word of 2026 be to describe Inter?

“I haven’t finished 2025 yet, give me four days and then I might answer when the first game of 2026 comes around! I hope to be there, at least…”