Inter coach Cristian Chivu has praised Napoli counterpart Massimiliano Allegri ahead of Saturday’s heavyweight Serie A clash, admitting the Nerazzurri can learn from the experienced coach while insisting his team are ready for another major test.
Inter have opened the campaign with six points from their first two games, but Chivu knows the visit of Napoli represents a significant step up in opposition. The two sides finished among Italy’s leading teams last season, with Napoli also having beaten Inter in both of their meetings.
Chivu was particularly complimentary when asked about his previous encounters with Allegri, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I am one of those who appreciates and respects Allegri. He is a winner, he has a certain amount of experience and he has everything that we young coaches want to learn.”
However, the Inter coach insisted last season’s defeats have already been put into perspective. Rather than allowing those results to affect his team, Chivu believes they ultimately demonstrated the importance of maintaining focus over an entire campaign.
“I learned my lesson. We arrived as winners in the end even though by the third matchday I had already lost two. All matches are important. We started with six points from two games and want to give continuity.”
Chivu: ‘We must be ourselves’
Chivu also stressed that Inter must retain their identity against Allegri’s Napoli rather than allowing their opponents to dictate the game.
“We must be ourselves. The determination, courage and desire to dominate must never be lost. This team has a very precise identity of who it wants to be.”
The Nerazzurri coach acknowledged that he made mistakes last season but believes those experiences have helped him grow.
“Last year I made mistakes, but I hope I have learned.”
Chivu also reflected on Inter’s need to manage their squad effectively, particularly with a demanding season ahead. He wants every player to understand their importance, regardless of whether they start or come off the bench.
“We are all in the same boat. We must not show when we are angry. The skill is in going in the same direction.”
With Napoli arriving at San Siro before Inter’s Champions League campaign gathers pace, Chivu will be looking for another mature performance from his side as they attempt to establish early momentum in the title race.
