Inter coach Cristian Chivu insists ‘pride is worth more than tactics’ as the Nerazzurri prepare for a big Serie A game against Juventus.

Chivu previewed the upcoming Inter game against their arch-rivals, Juventus, at a press conference on Friday.

The Nerazzurri have collected one win and one loss in the opening two games of the season.

“The team has worked well. We know that the international break can give something extra in terms of mentality. Today, the whole squad is available and everyone is ready to play,” Chivu said via TMW.

“It’s only the third round. We shouldn’t overburden it too much. Everyone knows what the Derby d’Italia represents. We need to have the right energy to read the match.”

Chivu already beat Juventus coach Igor Tudor four months ago. But at that time, the Nerazzurri boss was in charge of Parma.

“I don’t make comparisons because these are different situations,” Chivu said.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Tudor has done a great job at Juventus. They have an identity and had a good transfer window. They have recovered Bremer in defence; he gives them a lot. We can’t compare that match from four months ago. It’s another team. Both Inter and Juventus are different. We have high expectations, but we shouldn’t have extra pressure. We need mental clarity. I rely on the pride of my champions and my players. Pride is worth more than all the tactics.”

Where do Inter need to improve?

“The team has certainties. I need the intelligence to understand what this team can do,” Chivu said.

“I’m not here to turn everything upside down because it’s impossible. The team has been at the top of Italian and European football, and I need to add something to restore even more confidence, energy and motivation.”

Akanji ready for Inter debut

Official: Inter sign Manuel Akanji from Manchester City.

The Nerazzurri signed Manuel Akanji from Manchester City on deadline day, and the Swiss defender will likely start against Juventus tomorrow.

“Akanji is an important player with international value and stature,” Chivu said.

“All the players are essential to contribute to the pursuit of our goals. The players I have are the best, and I’m happy with them. Akanji is ready to play.

“We have an identity, and we try to carry on our work. You have to understand and interpret the game, accepting that solutions must be found to withstand the impact of the match,” the Inter coach continued.

“We go out there and play the match, looking for the best variable for the group. You need to be dominant to try to create trouble for the opponent.

“There are ups and downs in a season. Sometimes you need to wash your face, roll up your sleeves and work. You also need to learn from mistakes and move forward with courage. That’s the only way to grow.”

MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Hakan Calhanoglu and Yann Bisseck have recently been criticised by part of the Inter fans as well as the media, but Chivu is happy with their contribution so far.

“I’ve seen Calhanolgu very motivated; he’s been out for two and a half months,” said the Inter coach.

“He tried to play in the Club World Cup, but then had a not-so-calm summer. He’s motivated and ready to help us.

“Bisseck has been criticised, and it’s easy to criticise just because he hasn’t managed to show consistency. If you throw stones at him after the first mistake, you’ll never build up his self-confidence. He’s a young guy, and he’ll make mistakes again. We need him, and he has shown in training the same as Calhanoglu.”

Juventus-Inter will kick off at 18:00 CET (17:00 BST) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday, September 13. Football Italia will be among the accredited media.