The third consecutive derby lost to Milan has left visible marks in the Nerazzurri environment. Yesterday, faces were serious, with few smiles: not nervousness, but little desire to chat, and an awareness of a delicate moment.
In this context, this evening Inter faces Feyenoord with a double objective: to put the derby defeat behind them and to continue their European results after the victory against Shakhtar. It won’t be easy: the Dutch club has already beaten Como and at home is supported by a passionate crowd. As Corriere dello Sport points out, “courage, personality, and ball control are needed to get through it, quelling the ardor of Feyenoord, the people’s club, as it has been nicknamed in Rotterdam.”
The match almost has the feel of a playoff. Chivu, after two defeats against Real Madrid and Bruges, is in twentieth place in the standings and with 3 points would not even be seeded for the playoffs. Feyenoord is also on 3 points, and the estimated threshold to enter the top eight remains 16 points. Two years ago, Inter came out unscathed, in fact victorious with two goals scored by Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, gaining momentum towards the final in Munich.
In the Appiano Gentile training camp, meanwhile, Chivu has confessed and lifted Inter’s spirits. The coach has already experienced and gone through delicate periods and his confidence in the group remains intact. The atmosphere is focused, with minds set on tonight’s European match.
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