Cristian Chivu defends his Inter choices in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk and insists they are trying to ‘find that balance on when to press and take risks.’
It kicks off at San Siro at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
The pressure is really on the Nerazzurri after losing both their opening Champions League fixtures, 2-1 away to Real Madrid and 4-3 at home to Club Brugge.
Including last season, that means they have lost seven of their last eight games in the tournament, a dreadful record for a side that had reached the Final in both 2023 and 2025.
Chivu stands up for Inter
“After two defeats, we need to win, especially as we are on home turf and must rediscover what we earned over the years, that intensity, hunger and Champions League victories,” Chivu told Amazon Prime Video Italia.
Inter have limited options this evening due to injuries, as Lautaro Martinez is out for around a month, with Benjamin Pavard, Curtis Jones and John Stones also sidelined, but Djed Spence gets his first start.
However, Josep Martinez keeps his spot in goal, despite criticism over his performances.
“I do not understand these questions, Martinez is the first choice goalkeeper of Inter, this is the first season where he has taken on that responsibility,” replied Chivu.
“At this moment, it is his opportunity, then as time goes on we’ll give a chance to Ivan Provedel too.”
With the Derby della Madonnina coming up against bitter rivals Milan this weekend, some squad rotation is therefore inevitable.
“In terms of defence, we have not changed a lot, perhaps the responsibility and determination in some situations has changed, we are adding something in the way we attack the ball to win it back, but we’ve got to find that balance on when to press and when to take risks,” continued Chivu.
“We are working on it and aware that in football there are also mistakes. We’ve got to rediscover our determination, concentration and aggression.”
Shakhtar Donetsk have been very impressive in the Champions League this season and are unbeaten, with a 1-1 draw away to PSV Eindhoven and 3-1 victory over AEK Athens.