Cristian Chivu was full of praise for his Inter side after they defeated Roma 1-0 to replace reigning champions Napoli to the top of the Serie A table.

Ange-Yoan Bonny’s goal after just six minutes separated the two sides, and it was the fastest scored by the Nerazzurri against the Giallorossi in a league game since Wesley Sneijder's third-minute strike in February 2011.

Bonny is one of only two players who have already scored at least three goals and provided at least three assists in this Serie A season, along with Nico Paz, while Inter became the first side to score 300 goals against a single opponent in the Italian top-flight.

Inter suffered a heartbreaking end to the 2024-25 season, losing the Serie A title, Champions League final and Coppa Italia semi-final all within the final few weeks of the campaign.

Chivu was quick to credit his players for the way they have bounced back to start this new season.

"These lads deserve all the credit, as they left disappointment behind them, put themselves back up for the challenge after last season, and want to prove they can compete in every tournament," Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

"I am proud of the way they are working, how they prepare mentally for certain games. They know how to suffer, are ready to challenge themselves, and find the right humility for these situations.

"After the break for international duty, it is always an unknown quantity with many travelling and playing, you don't get to see them for long."

Inter applied a high press that caused problems for their opponents at the back throughout the contest at Stadio Olimpico, where they are now unbeaten in each of their last nine meetings with Roma.

"Roma are a strong team, they will never be easy for anyone to face in this stadium with these fans behind them," Chivu added.

"We are trying to [press high], and it doesn't always work out. Roma can cause issues with their wide players, who spread you out and create room between the lines for [Paulo] Dybala.

"We did it quite well in the first half, then lost intensity after the break and were forced to sit deeper, but we still understood that moment, focusing on the defence and counter-attacks."