Chivu warning for Inter: ‘Scudetto is not won yet’
Cristian Chivu insists ‘the Scudetto is not won yet’ after their eighth consecutive Serie A victory, beating Genoa 2-0. ‘We’ve had ups and downs, the players never grumble.’
The Nerazzurri needed a boost after the surprising Champions League elimination at the hands of Bodo/Glimt, as they lost both home and away legs of the play-off.
It was a tough slog to break down Genoa, as they needed a moment of Federico Dimarco magic with that volley, followed by a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty for Alex Amorim’s handling offence.
Chivu keeps Inter on their toes
“We were well aware of the importance of this match for what we’ve done and want to do in the final weeks of the season,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
“I’ll take these three points, because it was not easy, we were facing a team in good shape that knows how to cause problems. It was out 16th game in 50-odd days, so we needed to keep it going.
“Dimarco is in his best form, helping us to achieve our ambitions, as are all the players.”
This result means Inter are momentarily 13 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, awaiting Milan’s match with Cremonese on Sunday, after eight consecutive victories.
It is remarkable that Inter have won 14 of their last 15 Serie A games, but crashed out so sluggishly from the Champions League.
“We prepare every match in the best way, mentally and physically, treating every game the same way without looking at the name of our opponents,” explained Chivu.
“That is what we have been trying to do since the start of the season. There are 11 rounds to go, 33 points up for grabs, so the Scudetto is not won yet. We’ve had ups and downs, but want to build on all the good things we’ve done in the last two and a half months.”
They are also preparing for the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como on Tuesday evening, then the Derby della Madonnina with Milan next weekend.
“All 24 players work hard and have a winning mentality, they never grumble, and always accept the reality of the situation whether it’s in Serie A, the Cup or Champions League. We want to be competitive, we’ve had ups and downs, but we have ambition and are in good shape,” assured Chivu.
Only twice before in their history, in 2006-07 and 2023-24, have the Nerazzurri picked up at least 67 points after 27 Serie A rounds.