Chivu's interviews become as interesting as Inter's matches » Celebrate first place with a “white night”: “At least the remaining games”

Gazzetta dello Sport rated Chivu with 7: “With an authoritative game, his Inter ended the chase for the leader, one that lasted eight games. They are now in first place, both in Serie A and in the Champions League. The third pit stop is full of rewards: 11 wins in the last 12 games fuel the ambitions of the Nerazzurri. It can't get any better than that…”.

Cristi Chivu, after the victory with Lazio: “I enjoy coaching Lautaro”

“Lautaro's goal is the result of the hard work he puts in for the team. When you are calm, you score. If you are a leader, you have to be calm at all times. He has to be aware of how much passion he puts into the team. He is the leader of the group and I enjoy coaching him. Whether he scores or not, it doesn't matter to me.

I liked the team's approach today, the desire to dominate an opponent who could have caused us problems at any moment. I understood what I had to do and I did it well.

I have 22 players who are useful to our goals and who are working hard to improve. It's never easy, because in certain situations, with all the changes made, you lose a little balance, their habits of knowing each other by heart. But I'm pretty happy with what I'm doing. They have integrated well in the team and in the course so far. I know they all have great potential for growth.

Today was our sixth game in 18 days. You have to have energy, but I'm dealing with champions who enjoy this journey and always find the energy to dominate the game and meet the coach's demands,” said Chivu.

Tonight I will enjoy my family, watch the NFL, at least the remaining games, and then take advantage of a few days off. I wish good luck to those who will play for the national teams. I will have three days to train those who will be staying here, then the weekend comes and I have to decide what to do with my wife and daughters. When the internationals return, we will have two days to prepare for the Milan derby

– Cristi Chivu

Title fight and a special moment

The Romanian coach commented on the fight for the Serie A title, one with many candidates.

“For me, there have been few missteps. We've only lost one of our last 12 games. I'm not looking at the standings; it's too early. I'm saying this based on my experience as a player. I like what the guys can do, their awareness of enjoying this journey while working hard. We're aware that we can have a say,” Chivu said.

Chivu also makes time for a special event. He announced his presence alongside former great striker Christian Vieri. The Miami Dolphins will play against the Washington Commanders next Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu. It is a first in Spain for an American football game.

VIDEO SUMMARY: Lautaro Martinez opened the way to victory with a superb goal

Federico Dimarco, named man of the match, was asked if Chivu's side had been underestimated by rivals and pundits amid the summer changes.

I'll let others make up their minds about that, we focus on our work. We are in first place in the standings, but that doesn't mean much at the moment, there is still a long way to go until the end of the championship

– Federico Dimarco

Lautaro Martinez, the author of a superb goal, the 1-0, revealed the advice he received from Chivu: to smile more!

Yes, I wanted to shoot at the goal. It's true that we took a long step, but the important thing is that it helped us open the scoring. They are always the same. When I have to smile, I smile. That's just me… The fans have always been there. We may have missed them lately, but now they are back and always pushing us forward against everyone else. You can hear them, as if they were an extra player.

The most beautiful thing about football is scoring goals. Of course, the win is important, but if you score and the team wins, that's even better. When the crowd chants your name, it always gives you chills, just like the first time

– Lautaro Martinez

Captain Lautaro says Chivu's strategy was applied to the letter: “We put Lazio under pressure with advanced pressing. It was important to open the scoring early, then we managed the game calmly. And after the second goal, it was easier.”