Cristi Chivu's message after Napoli came close to the leader » Important comebacks in the away game with Fiorentina
Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:23 / Updated Saturday, March 21, 2026 10:26
crystal Chivu he resumed his motivational speech in his dressing room Intergetting over the scandal from the match with Atalanta (1-1). “The coach urged the players to keep the following at bay and put an immediate end to the comeback plans of the defending champions,” writes La Gazzetta dello Sport of the Appiano Gentile leader's meeting.
Napoli moved into second place in Serie A thanks to the victory at Cagliari (1-0) and reduced the gap to Inter to six points. AC Milan can regain their position if they beat Torino today at the 'San Siro' and move within five 'lengths' of the leaders.
That's why the Nerazzurri are under pressure before the competitive break for international matches. Cristi Chivu drew the attention of his players not to allow themselves any more wrong steps after last Saturday they stumbled at home to Atalanta, score 1-1.
Gazzetta dello Sport: “The leader has to keep his rivals at bay if he aims to cross the finish line first”
La Gazzetta dello Sport revealed what discussions the Romanian coach had with Appiano Gentile and the warning given to the team before the game at “Artemio Franchi”, on a field where Simone Inzaghi's side lost in the second leg of the last championship, 0-3 against Fiorentina.
Cristi Chivu has 22 victories in 29 stages as coach of Inter / Photo: Imago Images
“Chivu picked up the thread from Appiano and urged the players to shake up the champions' comeback plans. The move to Florence looks crucial to the sprint to the title.
A manager like Antonio Conte closing in on six-seven points with eight games to play can be a dire prospect for their league leaders, not to mention Milan, who can drop back to within five points of the lead.
As in cycling, it is unlikely that a breakaway hunted by pursuers will be able to pedal and break away from the peloton again. Those who have taken over the leadership of the race have to keep their rivals at bay if they aim to cross the finish line first,” writes the pink daily.
“Chivu expects a complicated match, also remembering the failure of Inter with 0-3 last year at «Artemio Franchi»”
The quoted source also learned that Inter went through the draw against Atalanta with some composure, despite the controversy surrounding Manganiello's refereeing, as they went into the final weekend with an increased advantage in the standings.
“The protests, justified especially for the penalty refused to Frattesi, were passed by the president Beppe Marotta in the file of regrets. But now there will be no room for misses with Fiorentina, who put themselves to serious use in the Conference League on Thursday and have yet to gain a reassuring lead over the relegation zone.
Inter – Fiorentina // photo: Guliver/gettyimages
Chivu expects a complicated match, remembering last year's 0-3 defeat against “Franchi”. The first real alarm bells sounded for Simone Inzaghi's Inter, who, a few months later, lost the title also because of the failure in Florence”, concluded Gazzetta dello Sport.
For Sunday evening's game (10:00 p.m., live text on GSP.ro, live on Digi Sport 2 and Prima Sport 2), Chivu will be able to rely on Alessandro Bastoni and Hakan Calhanoglu, fully recovered from injuries (Lautaro Martinez is still waiting!) and announced starters at Inter.
