Chivu: Dumfries will miss Milan. Sometimes we have to make the game more intense and even commit more fouls

At 3:45 in the morning on November 24th, in the 12th round of the 2025-26 Serie A season, Inter Milan will face AC Milan at home. Before the game, Inter Milan coach Chivu attended the press conference. He talked about some of the team's current situation.

What aspect do you most hope Inter Milan will focus on?

——This game is of great significance and we need to be fully prepared as usual. We know what this game means to the fans, who want to have a quieter Monday and not be laughed at by their friends, so this game means a lot. We know what we want and the whole world is watching this game.

Do you think Inter Milan can have an advantage in the league?

——The gap in the standings is not big, we need to win three points, but the derby is a special game and there is no absolute favorite. We have to go out there with the right determination, but not just in these five-star games because the league lasts 38 rounds.

How do you feel? Will Lautaro and Thuram feature in fantasy football games?

- As a player, I have experienced games like this, I know what it means and how to go through a week like this, and I also know what it feels like on the eve of a derby. The expectations sometimes become too strong and they will try their best to win and I hope it will be a good game because it means a lot to Italian football and it needs to be done fair and square. I don’t play fantasy football games.

What would you say when Allegri said Inter Milan was the favourite?

- I will deliver the momentum and I know the team will give more. That motivation must always be there, not just in derbies but also against lesser-known sides. There is no absolute favorite in a derby, we have to go on the field with determination, understand the moments in the game, seize the opportunities and win more confrontations.

Does any special tactical adjustment need to be made when facing Milan?

——We know the strength of Milan's players. They are very threatening and can cause us difficulties, but this does not mean that we have to change our style. Crucial moments in the game may change the game plan and we need to be prepared to deal with various situations and most importantly our principles and systems.

Allegri always uses the same tactics to win important games. What will you do?

- Preparing for a game and having a game plan is easy. We all know that Allegri is a winner and he is probably the coach who has won the most trophies in Italy. He is experienced and a motivator who is not just good at simple things but relies on the quality of his team. I see a different Milan than before he arrived.

You cannot think that they will do something unprepared, we must be more careful and do more in every aspect. We must also learn to withstand pressure and maintain dominance without becoming unbalanced. Sometimes it is necessary to make the game more intense and even call for more fouls.

What is Lautaro's current status? How exciting will the match between Inter Milan and AC Milan be?

- Italian football is always charming and beautiful because it is the most difficult to deal with. There may be more of a sense of ease abroad, but that doesn't mean there's anything lacking in Serie A, it's just a feeling. Here, people often talk about the defensive end and conceding goals, and maybe they don’t pay that much attention abroad. It's a beautiful and complex place and everyone will do their best to prepare for this game.

What did the team lack in that derby match they lost?

——I don’t want to open some scars (laughs), we know our direction. With this knowledge, we can be more determined that the past does not matter to me. What I care about is our current state, and it's often the little details that can change the direction of the game. We need to bring passion and determination to the pitch, but smiles and honesty are also important. They can't forget where they came from, there's no need to put too much pressure on themselves, I want people who are having fun pursuing their dreams.

After the derby there is also the game against Atletico Madrid

- Football is so changeable and the situation changes from day to day. We have to think game by game, otherwise it will waste energy and make me less calm.

What is Thuram's current status?

- He is doing well and has not missed any training since returning to the team. He did not go to the national team, which gave him more time for additional training and recovery.

How is the status of the national team players?

- Apart from Dumfries having ankle issues, everyone else is doing well. Unfortunately, he will not be able to compete.

Is Inter Milan’s football lacking in fun?

- Having fun is always positive and brings a sense of responsibility. We should enjoy the little things in life, anxiety always presents the worst case scenario and should not be listened to because it is a lie. Anxiety doesn't allow you to show your true value and there is room for improvement in Italian football, but it is very competitive and that is wonderful.

From abroad, people understand that it is not easy to play here. We're also working on adding a few extra things. Abroad, sports news reporting is just a clock-in job. You have the passion, you can smile a little more, you don't always have to think about goals conceded or play-offs, football is always the best part of this country.