Milan, Italy – Oct 25, 2026: Inter manager Cristian Chivu celebrates after the Serie A clash with Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chivu lauds his squad, insisting that the perceived injustices fueled their 2-1 comeback against Fiorentina.
Inter overturned Fiorentina’s lead, winning 2-1 at San Siro in the Serie A Round 8 lunchtime fixture.
Marcus Thuram equalised Alex Jiménez’s early strike in the 90th minute and won a penalty five minutes later, which Piotr Zieliński converted.
From the bench, Chivu didn’t watch the Polish international take the spot‑kick.
“Before Zieliński’s penalty I was reflecting on our discipline and the positives we’d shown today,” the coach told DAZN at full‑time.
“We entered the match well organised, then fell behind when a 30‑yard shot hit the top corner. I can’t fault our structure, quality or drive on the pitch.”
“We generated numerous chances and were eventually rewarded because we kept our heads and executed what was required.”
Inter logged 33 shots in total, and the win lifts the Nerazzurri to 13 points earned from losing positions this season.
“I congratulate the players – they gave everything right to the end in pursuit of victory,” Chivu added.
“These matches aren’t easy. Before the penalty I thought, ‘Hope he scores,’ because he’s a specialist. We deserved the win, and I’d say that even if we’d lost. My squad merits every compliment today.”
Francesco Pio Esposito and Marcus Thuram started up front, with Ange‑Yoan Bonny replacing Esposito after halftime.
“Bonny’s movement denies defenders a fixed reference point, whereas Pio gave Fiorentina’s back‑line an easier target,” Chivu explained.
“We chose mobility and one‑on‑one battles. We couldn’t break the deadlock, then conceded after pulling Bonny off. We knew we had to attack the flanks because the centre was congested.”
“We needed more bodies in the box, which is why I brought on Lavelli. We believed to the final whistle and were rewarded for our play. I’m pleased: the injustices didn’t knock us down; they made us stronger. For my money, this resilience defines Inter.”
Minutes after Jiménez’s opener, Thuram appealed for a penalty for a possible Viery foul. The referee first gestured to the spot but then blew for a throw‑in instead.
The Nerazzurri have overtaken Lazio at the Serie A summit after Gattuso’s side beat Parma 2‑1 on Saturday.
Inter currently boast the league’s top attack with 23 goals, though they have already conceded ten.
“That’s football: you sometimes concede. The key is not to lose confidence and to keep the same mindset. Since I arrived, I’ve always said games last 90 minutes. I won’t tolerate self‑pity or complaints about refereeing; I want players to respond to setbacks,” Chivu concluded.
“I’d like us to keep a clean sheet, but conceding happens. I reject the narrative that Inter can’t bounce back. Some games we lead and still lose. That’s football: stay determined and stick to what works until the end. So far we’ve managed that well, apart from the Brugge fixture. Can Inter maintain this momentum into the next round?”