Inter coach Cristian Chivu admits games like the wild 5-3 against Udinese are the necessary risks taken in modern Serie A football. ‘I’ve never seen a perfect team.’
It was another chaotic encounter for the Nerazzurri, as for the second Serie A game in a row they found themselves trailing 2-0 at home.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano reacts as he is challenged by James Abankwah of Udinese Calcio during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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They overturned Napoli last time to win 3-2, and this evening ended up beating Udinese 5-3 in a match with eight different goalscorers.
It showed the sheer power of the Champions of Italy, but also how vulnerable they can be when not fully focused after a Champions League midweek defeat to Real Madrid.
Chivu acknowledges Inter risks
MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Cristian Chivu, Manager of Internazionale, looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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“These are our qualities and what we know how to do. We can score a lot of goals and keep a high level, so apart from the first 25 minutes where we did try to do certain things without the right energy, and Udinese did well to make the most of our attitude, we did well to react,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
“We stayed in the game, didn’t want to lose, and I am pleased with that. I also need to analyse what didn’t work and what I probably was unable to transmit to the team. I kind of expected it really, because the Champions League really saps your energy.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Cristian Chivu, Manager of Internazionale, celebrates victory after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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This is the fourth time in 2026 that Inter scored at least five goals in a Serie A match, fewer only in Europe’s top five leagues than Bayern Munich, and they are the top scorers this season in Italy with 14.
On the other hand, they are also conceding a surprising number of goals, eight in four games, so is Chivu worried?
“If I don’t say I’m worried, then I am not a coach. This is modern football, there is a great deal of intensity, our opponents took us on and I like this way of playing, even if it does mean taking risks.
“I loved the goal for 2-2 that was sparked by winning back the ball quickly. We are not perfect, we know that we have a lot of work to do, and areas where we need to improve.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Nicolo Barella of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Marcus Thuram during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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Inter had lost at home to Udinese last season in Week 2, so what has improved or crumbled since then?
“Well we’ve all aged in a year… We lost that match and were unable to turn it around, so that changed,” smiled Chivu.
“It’s too easy to say that since then we’ve added two trophies, even if it’s true, but that no longer counts because it is the past and this is a new season. We have six more points after four rounds, so we are trying to improve without losing our identity.”
The comeback was achieved despite resting Lautaro Martinez, with Hakan Calhanoglu and Djed Spence out injured, but John Stones limped off an hour into his first start for the club.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: John Stones of FC Internazionale Milano is substituted and replaced by teammate Curtis Jones during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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“We are aiming to add new elements, improve the squad rotation options to keep everyone important. I saw Mkhitaryan from the start, Bonny scored and was happy, Stankovic managed to get some playing time too.
“I am a little worried that I didn’t get to play Sucic and Bisseck today, but it’s because the club put together such a good squad that it gives me worries having to choose the XI. We have more options to choose from and strength in depth.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammates Marcus Thuram, Curtis Jones and Carlos Augusto during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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Inter go head-to-head with Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma on Saturday, a Scudetto showdown at the Stadio Olimpico between the two teams with a 100 per cent record after four rounds.
“As a player and a coach, I’ve never seen a perfect football team. We must try to do our best and maintain our identity, because of our values and principles, both tactical and human. This is how I like it, but in some games it works better than others, that’s the sport.
“Finding the right balance is the key, doing certain things without losing the identity of this group. Some of the players didn’t have a full pre-season and need to get into shape, we are trying to get them all playing to help that process. We know the risks involved in that.
“Obviously, it’s an important game before the long break for international duty, when I think I’ll be left with about three players in training.”
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