If you’ve been following Italian football lately, you’ve probably heard the chatter surrounding Inter. Despite sitting third in Serie A, just a single point off the top, the narrative after their tough 1-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League has been a bit harsh. But if you think the team is letting it get to them, you haven't heard what their head coach, Cristian Chivu, has to say about it.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Cristian Chivu passionately defends Inter's season, pushing back against criticism and "too many labels."
- ✓ Inter plans a significant squad rotation for the Genoa clash to manage resources after the narrow defeat to Liverpool.
- ✓ The match features a reunion between former Roma teammates Chivu and Genoa's new coach, Daniele De Rossi.
- ✓ Inter holds a dominant historical record against Genoa, with 9 wins and 3 draws in their last 12 meetings.
- ✓ Opta gives Inter a 59.6% chance of winning, but Genoa is currently on a five-match unbeaten streak in Serie A.
"We Were Finished": Chivu's Passionate Defense
Let's be real, managing a top club comes with immense pressure, and Chivu is clearly fed up with the outside noise. He came out swinging in a recent press conference, making it clear he believes the criticism is overblown and unfair. You can almost feel his frustration with the constant scrutiny his squad has been under since the very start of the season.
"We started the season under a magnifying glass," he told reporters. "People said we were failures, and we were finished. But we are still up there and that is not to be taken for granted, considering what was said over the summer." It’s a powerful statement that really puts things into perspective. For Chivu, it’s not just about one loss; it’s about the entire journey and the identity his team has fought to maintain.
He's not interested in changing his team's philosophy to appease the critics, either. "Some might say that we ought to be more negative and defensive, going for the draw, but I don't want us to lose our identity," he added. The message is clear: Inter wants to dominate, and Chivu believes the reality on the pitch is far different from the story people are trying to write about them.
The Tactical Reshuffle for Genoa
With the Liverpool game in the rearview mirror, the immediate focus is on a tricky Serie A fixture against Genoa. And it sounds like Chivu is planning to shake things up quite a bit. This isn't just a reaction to the loss; it's a strategic move to manage player fatigue and rediscover the intensity that has defined their best performances this season.
The team will be without two key players, with both Hakan Calhanoglu and Francesco Acerbi confirmed as enforced absences. Beyond that, a few big names are expected to get a rest. Don't be surprised to see Mkhitaryan, Luis Henrique, and Marcus Thuram starting on the bench. It's all part of a broader plan to keep the squad fresh and competitive.
This rotation is also a sign of Chivu's growing trust in his squad's depth. He's been praised for expanding the pool of reliable starters, with players like Luis Henrique, Diouf, and a revived Zielinski stepping up. For the Genoa match, it's expected that Zielinski will take the regista role, with Sucic returning as a mezzala and Carlos Augusto likely deployed on the right. This isn't a sign of weakness; it's smart management.
A Reunion of Roma Legends
Here’s a fantastic little subplot that adds a personal touch to this match. Standing in the opposing dugout will be a familiar face for Chivu: his old Roma teammate, Daniele De Rossi. The two played together from 2003 to 2007, and Chivu has nothing but respect for the man who has turned Genoa's fortunes around since taking over.
De Rossi has rejuvenated a Genoa side that looked lost under Patrick Vieira, and they are now unbeaten in four Serie A matches. Chivu is well aware of the challenge ahead. "We need to be perfect, especially in terms of attitude against a team that found so much enthusiasm under a new coach," he said. He knows firsthand the kind of leader De Rossi is.
Recalling their time together, Chivu spoke warmly of his former colleague. "I had four marvellous years at Roma, De Rossi was a captain without the armband... I always admired his intelligence, he is a genuine guy who is very loyal." This mutual respect will surely add an extra layer of tactical intrigue to the clash at Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Players to Keep an Eye On
Every match has its key figures, and this one is no different. For Genoa, the player to watch is a rising young star, Brooke Norton-Cuffy. The English full-back, born in 2004, is already making waves. He's the youngest defender in Serie A this season to have both scored a goal and provided an assist. Not only that, but he's also a serious threat on the dribble, ranking third among defenders for successful take-ons with 18.
On the Inter side, keep your focus on the ever-reliable Federico Dimarco. The wing-back is a creative engine for the Nerazzurri, having provided five assists in Serie A this season—the joint-most in the league. His consistency is remarkable; he's one of only six players in Europe's top five leagues to have registered five or more assists in each of the last three seasons. That puts him in the company of names like Bruno Fernandes and Luis Diaz, which tells you everything you need to know about his quality.
The Numbers Game: History vs. Form
So, what do the stats say? History is overwhelmingly on Inter's side. Genoa haven't managed a Serie A victory against them since way back on February 17, 2018. In the 12 matches since that day, Inter have won nine and drawn three. It's a daunting record for any team to face.
However, you can't ignore current form. Genoa are on a roll. They are unbeaten in their last five Serie A matches (winning three and drawing two) and have won their last two straight. Another victory would mark their first three-game winning streak since February 2021. De Rossi has clearly instilled confidence and grit into his squad.
Chivu's own record is incredibly impressive, boasting a 71.4% win rate in his 14 Serie A games as Inter coach. In fact, only one manager in the three-points-per-win era, Leonardo, has a higher win rate for the club. When you look at the Opta win probability, Inter are clear favorites at 59.6%, with Genoa at 17.5% and the draw at 22.9%. But as we all know, football matches aren't won on paper.
Conclusion
The bottom line is this: Cristian Chivu is building something at Inter based on identity, confidence, and a refusal to bow to outside pressure. He firmly believes his team is on the right track, and the upcoming clash with Genoa is another opportunity to prove it. It's a fascinating matchup, pitting historical dominance against red-hot form, and an old friendship against a new rivalry. Despite what the critics might say, Inter's season is far from over—in fact, it feels like it's just getting interesting.
