Inter secured their second win out of two in the league, beating Cagliari away. A victory that confirms the positive start after the first match against Monza, but which leaves some reflections on the end of the game.

Speaking to Sky Sport, Chivu commented on his team’s performance: “These are the classic matches where, if you don’t close them out, you can get into trouble. In the last few minutes we lost our shape and put ourselves in a panic. But we held on. If there’s any regret, it’s not having finished it off with the many chances we had.”

The Nerazzurri coach emphasized the need to regain consistency: “There was a lack of continuity, but we still have to find our best condition. We take home the three points. Now that the league has started, we have to think about getting back the condition of those who were at the World Cup, but the only way is to give them minutes.”

Chivu also explained some tactical choices made during the match: “Today I had to adapt Pavard as a wing-back and put Bisseck in the center because I understood the moment of the match. I wanted more personality in the last minutes, maybe keeping possession as we did in the first half. But as a coach, I had to react accordingly.”

On the new signings from England, the coach was cautious: “They have just arrived, it’s early. They have experience and quality. Playing on these pitches is bread and butter for them. But they need to regain their condition and adapt to our style of play and their new teammates. In terms of attitude, they are exemplary guys and we are happy to have them.”

Chivu then took stock of the transfer market: “We lost 5 players and had to replace them. We needed a right wing-back, since we lost Palestra and Khalaili. We had to figure out who we needed. Diouf is showing signs of growth in that role. In the middle, we had been thinking about Curtis for a while for the personality and intensity he brings. We have an excellent midfield and it’s up to me to choose well and keep everyone happy. It won’t be easy.”

Finally, a look at the Champions League and the Champions draw with Mourinho: “I thought about Napoli: I have to go to Madrid, but first I have to think about Napoli. Here in Cagliari it wasn’t easy. In Madrid we’ll play our game. We want to be competitive and we know the points we need to avoid the playoffs.”

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