Cristian Chivu explains his choices for the Inter XI against Venezia, including the first Aleksandar Stankovic start and no Marcus Thuram rest. ‘We must not under-estimate anyone.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Penzo in Venice at 17.30 GMT (18.30 CET).
There are several changes to the Nerazzurri line-up, but it is above all the full debut in the Inter jersey of Aleksandar Stankovic, who is up against his brother Filip in the Venezia goal.
Chivu faith in Inter players
“He is an Inter player, we chose him for his growth and all he’s done since stepping up to the senior side, he played in the Champions League with Club Brugge. We are very happy to have him with us,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
Venezia have turned a corner under new coach Davide Nicola following the sacking of Giovanni Stroppa, as they beat Napoli 1-0 on his debut, then suffered a 1-0 loss away to Genoa.
“They are more organised and focused under the new coach, they are dangerous in transitions and on the second balls. They do everything to stay in the top flight, understand their limitations and are doing everything to have a season worthy of this wonderful city,” continued Chivu.
“They beat Napoli here only a couple of weeks ago, so they have ambition and are not to be under-estimated.”
There are some very big games coming up for Inter, as they have the Derby della Madonnina with rivals Milan on Saturday, then Feyenoord in the Champions League followed by potential Scudetto challengers Como.
Despite that, and the injury crisis ruling out Lautaro Martinez, Benjamin Pavard, Curtis Jones, John Stones and Luis Henrique, there is still no rest for Thuram.
“Those who are in good shape will play,” shrugged Chivu.
“We’ve got to maintain a balance and keep the momentum going. We must not under-estimate any match, our focus is always on tonight, and we will have time to think about the derby after this game.”
There are reports that Francesco Pio Esposito was not at 100 per cent, otherwise Thuram would’ve been allowed some time off this evening.
“Pio wasn’t well over the last few days, he had a bit of a fever, there was also a family issue and we send our condolences over the loss of his grandfather,” added Chivu to DAZN Italia.
