Article by Daniel Scorpie, Maria Olteanu – Published on Sunday, 01 February 2026 21:55 / Updated on Sunday, 01 February 2026 22:55
Cristi Chivu (45 years old), Inter's coach, drew the first conclusions after another victory for his team, score 2-0, in a duel of the round with number #23 in Serie A against Cremonese.
The Serie A leader had no emotions against the newly promoted side and thus distanced himself from Serie A chasers AC Milan and Napoli.
After the match, Chivu spoke about the win, Frattesi's future at the team and the final days of the mercato window.
He also referred to the decisions made, in the context in which he recently decided to give more free time to the players among the extremely frequent matches, Inter fighting on two fronts, the championship and the Champions League.
He then recounted what he did on Thursday evening of the Europa League, how he fell asleep while watching the matches and was woken up by his daughter.
Cristi Chivu, coach of Inter Milan, photo: Guliver/gettyimages
Cristi Chivu, after the close victory with Cremonese: “I had the maturity to understand the moments of the game”
“Victoria, we had the maturity to understand the moments of the game and find the solutions to win. From the point of view of dominating the game, we stayed in the match, within the limits of what they allowed us to do.
We were a bit slow in the build-up as we lacked the energy to attack the opposition's low lines, but we broke the game open by taking the lead before the break.
Then, in the second half, it was normal to relax because of the result and the lack of energy. It was important to win and I'm glad we did.
Frattesi is Inter's player and for me he is important in the squad. He has to prove it, show it on the pitch, because we trust his qualities.
Especially for the last months of the season, when we need him in optimal conditions to bring us something extra in certain matches, something that we sometimes lack.
“One more day, but I can't wait for this mercato to be over!”
The judgments I have had in the past reflect what you told me. I rested some starters and even before the match I was criticized. I've made some controversial decisions, even though I'm not a teacher.
Cristi Chivu, the coach of the Serie A leader / Photo: X Inter
There is a lot of playing and there is the danger of injuries, but, playing in so many competitions, this risk has to be accepted. We may or may not be wrong, but we are moving forward on our way.
I'm waiting for us to recover our energies, because on Wednesday they play again. We are the 25 regulars from before the start of the season and we have tried to get everyone involved during this period.
I'm not complaining and I'm not changing what I said before. One more day, but I can't wait for this mercato period to end!”said Cristi Chivu, after the match, quoted by fcinternews.it.
Cristi Chivu, new revelations at the press conference
We have to find ways and means, understand the moments, there is always room for improvement.
As a coach, I struggle. Thursday night I fell asleep watching the Europa League and my daughter woke me up. I was scared because I was late for a meeting. That's football, beautiful. There is a lot of maturity and ambition.
– Cristi Chivu, Inter coach
We are always under the microscope, because we are talking about Inter. Everyone says they are the most valuable team and I expected that to happen at this club. I always tried to convey something, to instill desire and self-confidence in this wonderful group. They have everything they need to be competitive.
There are still many games to play, but we have put ourselves in a good position thanks to our efforts and the growth of the group. We have to maintain consistency and continuity, but the championship is still long.
– Cristi Chivu, Inter coach
On Audero, Chivu stated succinctly: “The president spoke, I speak on behalf of the club and I agree with everything he said.”
A little earlier, Beppe Marotta had taken a firm stand against the episode with the firecracker thrown onto the pitch from the Inter fan section: “The authorities are investigating. This is an isolated incident and those responsible will certainly be found and punished.
Everyone at Inter explicitly and concretely condemns what happened. The truly professional and serious demeanor of Audero, who managed to finish the match despite all the circumstances, must be emphasized.”
Serie A standings
VIDEO with the summary of the game won by Inter
