Chivu: ‘All credit goes to Palombo, I’ve ruined my suit!’

Cristian Chivu says that all credit must go to his coaching staff for their role in Piotr Zielinski’s goal of the season contender during Inter’ 2-1 win over Hellas Verona on Sunday afternoon, and joked that he ‘ruined’ during his injury-time celebrations.

Zielinski, Giovane and Martin Frese (own goal) ended up on the scoresheet as Inter climbed into second place in the Serie A standings at the Bentegodi on Sunday afternoon.

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

It was a far tougher test than expected at the Stadio Bentegodi, because Giovane had cancelled out the sensational Piotr Zielinski opener, then Gift Orban’s flick hit the upright.

Just as it seemed as if this would end in a draw, Martin Frese accidentally turned the Nicolò Barella cross into his own net for a 94th-minute winner.

It was clear what this meant to Chivu, as he celebrated with a knee-slide onto the pitch.

“I ruined my suit, I’ve got a tracksuit on now, the sponsors are a bit angry,” Chivu joked with DAZN after full-time. 

“These games are easier to lose than they are to win, so when you win like this you celebrate, recognising the fact that it could have gone badly.” 

The opening goal was an inspired set-play routine, as Hakan Calhanoglu floated the corner to the edge of the area, where Zielinski was ready to volley into the top corner with the inside of the right boot.

It was inspired by Chivu’s staff member Angelo Palombo, a former Inter and Sampdoria midfielder.

“I was against it!,” Chivu admitted. “If it went badly they could have hit us with their speed on the counter attack. But with the quality we have, it’s good to try these sorts of things. It’s all thanks to Angelo, Filippo and the guys, who are committed to innovating techniques around set-pieces. 

“When you’ve got someone like Calhanoglu, who puts the ball where he wants, and someone like Zielinski, it’s right to try it. Credit has to be given to Palombo and to all the staff who are committed to bringing something new.” 

Reporters suggested that Inter ‘slowed down’ after going 1-0 up at the Bentegodi. 

Chivu responded: “No, we didn’t slow down. We were ahead, they were the ones who needed to take risks. We had two good chances.” 

And on Lautaro Martinez, Chivu added: “He hasn’t scored for a week, but he did in Brussels. We’re not turning this into a big thing, with his commitment and leadership, he is a true example for everyone. 

“It’s not easy to play every three days, but we don’t want to make a big deal out of it. He scored in Belgium and had chances in these last few games. It’s not a big drama if he doesn’t score, especially with him, because he works so hard and always makes himself available.”