Chivu: ‘I had no doubts over Inter’ starting XI in Madrid

Cristian Chivu insists he had ‘no doubts’ over his Inter line-up against Atletico Madrid after pulling a few surprises in the starting XI this evening.

It kicks off at the Estadio Metropolitano at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Atalanta on the Liveblog.

The Nerazzurri have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League so far this season, winning all four games with just one goal conceded.

However, that form is not reflected in Serie A, where at the weekend they suffered the fourth defeat in 12 rounds, losing to arch rivals AC Milan.

“Every game is complicated in the Champions League, because the level is so high,” Chivu told Amazon Prime Video Italia.

“We know how important the match is and how difficult it is going to be, but we are ready.”

Denzel Dumfries, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Matteo Darmian are still out of action.

However, while they were expected to start Luis Henrique, Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Pio Esposito, Chivu has instead chosen Carlos Augusto, Yann Bisseck and Ange-Yoan Bonny.

“I don’t know what your doubts were, but I never had any. I was sure of who I would choose. Carlos Augusto will be on the right, with Lautaro upfront alongside Bonny.

“Zielinski plays, along with Barella and Calhanoglu in midfield.”

Inter played Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 of the Champions League two years ago, eventually going out on penalties after a 3-3 draw on aggregate.

“The Champions League games are always tough, we have picked up 12 points so far, but they are not enough to finish in the top eight,” added the coach.

“We must do more, this is why it’s an important match and we need a great performance to pick up points. We know the difficulties of playing here, but we will play as a team.”