For Inter it's time for redemption. After the disappointing performance in the derby, the many forced comebacks at the start of the season and the only victory in the Champions League in three games, the Nerazzurri cannot miss the home ground of Feyenoord. Cristian Chivu, despite the criticism for the team lined up against Milan, demonstrates serenity and confidence: "I believe in the work, in what this team is and what it has done up to now. I am confident in what they will do, they are champions and they have shown it. They have brought a certain standard to what our club represents and we are trying to create. There are negative episodes, mistakes from which we must learn, accept and look at, trying to fix them to move forward with confidence. We will have a great match."
Inter, therefore, will not betray its coach and its fans. In Holland, against an opponent already capable of winning against Como - among other things the Nerazzurri's next opponent in the championship - a convincing performance will be needed, especially from an attitude point of view. Thuram also explains it well who - against Shakhtar in numerical inferiority - put his signature on Inter's only Champions League victory.
"We need to realize that there is a small problem on the approaches. It's important not to pretend that the problem isn't there, only in this way can we intervene. We must always carry forward the attitude that we have had in 10 men, even in the championship. This is how we have to take the field", explains the French striker.
It is precisely the lack of character and attention that is worrying. Chivu had asked for a 'provincial' Inter in the derby, one that sweated and toiled, with the hunger of those who don't feel favored. Instead, a lot was missing against Milan. Luckily for Chivu, however, he immediately returns to the field and a victory is the best way to erase the waste of the defeat against Milan. "We have always said that the Champions League is played match by match, but it also applies to the championship. Obviously, if you want to do the calculations to get into the top eight more or less you need sixteen points. We are still in the race, aware that tomorrow will not be easy for us and aware of what we are and what we want to do", assures the Nerazzurri coach.
Without Bastoni suspended, the defense is practically forced. On the pitch Bisseck, Akanji and Carlos Augusto. Dimarco will return on the wing, while Pio Esposito could play in attack alongside Thuram. One thought, however, Chivu will have to do so in the match against Como on Sunday. "We had to manage a couple of situations that were not easy and unpredictable, we had to find solutions. We have recovered players - informs Chivu -, Provedel and Pavard have returned and we have not had any other problems in recent days". But beware of being repeat offenders, of taking the field carelessly and uncertainly and of underestimating the Dutch.
"Feyenoord thrives at home, they have intensity and quality in many players, especially up front, with prominent players like Hadj Moussa and Zechiel. They have players who are good in duels and one-on-ones. We know that it won't be easy, but at the same time we too will have to bring out our qualities and what we know how to do to put them in difficulty. In this stadium I won the Dutch Cup. I know what the stadium means for this team, the passion that their fans have. I know what kind of atmosphere they create. I know that It won't be easy, there will be a hostile climate but that's why we like playing in the Champions League." It will take grit, hunger and concentration. We need the Inter of some time ago.
