Inter Milan returned to winning ways in Serie A with a hard-earned 2-1 victory away to Genoa, a result that ended a five-year wait for success at the Stadio Ferraris and lifted the Nerazzurri into out...
Inter Milan returned to winning ways in Serie A with a hard-earned 2-1 victory away to Genoa, a result that ended a five-year wait for success at the Stadio Ferraris and lifted the Nerazzurri into outright first place.
Despite a performance that sparkled for over an hour, Cristian Chivu was keen to underline the need for greater sharpness after his side were briefly dragged into an uncomfortable finale.
Speaking to Sky Sport after the match, with quotes via FCInterNews, the Inter head coach focused first on the overall performance rather than the league table.
Indeed, stressing the difficulty of the task facing his players.
“I would start with the performance on a pitch that is always difficult for Inter. Against a Genoa side that had been in good form since Daniele De Rossi arrived,” Chivu explained.
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy and that we were facing a team in good health. Therefore, we had to give our best in terms of quality and character.”
For long stretches, Inter did exactly that, controlling possession and dictating the rhythm.
Genoa 1-2 Inter Milan – Chivu Hails ‘Good Performance’
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu felt his team were rewarded for their approach, even if the contest tightened unexpectedly late on. “In the end we were right: we put in a good performance,” he continued.
“Then maybe we conceded a goal when they stopped pushing, and on this pitch it becomes difficult. But we could have scored the 3-1, we rolled up our sleeves and we took these three points.”
That late goal forced Inter into a more conservative shape, with Chivu opting to adjust his structure to protect the result.
Asked whether the late switch to a more compact system proved decisive, the Romanian coach highlighted his players’ immediate understanding of the situation.
“They immediately dropped into the difficulty of the moment,” he said.
“They were using a lot of long balls and we were struggling to arrive with three players in midfield.”
Chivu Hails Akanji Versatility
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Manuel Akanji of Internazionale acknowledges the fans after the team’s victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
A key tactical tweak followed, with Manuel Akanji stepping into midfield alongside Piotr Zielinski, a move Chivu credited for restoring balance.
“Then we added Akanji next to Zielinski,” he explained. “A coach is good when he brings something home and is criticised when he gets nothing. I have to say that even the substitutes put in a performance of quality.”
Akanji’s versatility was a recurring theme in Chivu’s analysis, particularly as Inter were forced to develop play predominantly down the right flank.
“On the left they pressed Bastoni with a forward and jumped with the mezzala onto Bisseck,” Chivu noted. “So it was a match to be developed more on the right than the left.”
He added that similar patterns had emerged in recent matches, underlining the need for adaptability.
“Even Pisa blocked our left side a lot. We have to find alternatives. Akanji has this solution, and Luis Henrique also has this quality, although he could attack the depth more. We understood Genoa’s plan and took countermeasures that proved effective.”
Coach Asks For More From Lautaro & Pio Esposito
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Francesco Pio Esposito of Internazionale warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Sassuolo Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Up front, Chivu was satisfied with the attacking partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Pio Esposito, while acknowledging areas for improvement.
“No, I don’t ask Lautaro for different things,” he said when asked about the pairing.
“This was a match that had to be sharper. We had to play a bit more vertically, then he was good at receiving the ball between the lines, filling the box and scoring.”
Chivu also praised Lautaro’s intelligence, suggesting his tactical flexibility remains a major asset.
“With the intelligence Lautaro has, he could play underneath a striker,” he added.
“Maybe Pio could have done better in attacking the depth, but we take what the lads transmit to their teammates. They are an example and they want to do the right things for the team.”
The Genoa victory once again highlighted Inter’s ability to respond as a mature group, especially after recent setbacks.
While pleased with the result and Akanji’s influence, Chivu made it clear that progress remains ongoing.
The message from Marassi was measured but firm: Inter are winning, but sharper execution will be required as the season intensifies.
Category: General Sports
