Chivu challenges Inter to keep 'adding more'

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Inter has won all three of its league matches in 2026-2027, beating Monza and Cagliari before coming from 2-0 down to earn a dramatic 3-2 win over Napoli.

However, it comes into this match on the back of a defeat, having gone down 2-1 against Real Madrid and former manager Jose Mourinho in the Champions League in midweek.

Inter faced criticism for failing to get a result against Madrid, but Chivu is not concerned about his side's performance at the Bernabeu and remains confident it will bounce back in Serie A.

"We're calm, as always. Our objective is to keep growing, improving and adding more to our game," Chivu said. "It's still too early to draw conclusions: we're only a few weeks into the season, but I'm already seeing some very encouraging signs from the team.

"If you judge us purely on the result, then criticism is understandable, but our focus is on the principles we want to develop and the progress we're making.

"We can't lose sight of the good things we showed, not only against Real Madrid but against Napoli as well. When games come in quick succession, I prefer to look at them together.

"We put a lot into the Napoli game and then, 72 hours later, went to the Bernabeu. You have to take a broader view, identify the positives from both performances and keep moving in the direction we've set for ourselves."

Udinese made an unbeaten start to the campaign, drawing with Como and beating Monza, though it was beaten 2-1 by Lazio last time out.

In the corresponding fixture last season, Udinese emerged as 2-1 winner, but Chivu has been impressed with the strides his team made after that defeat.

"The clearest difference is that we now have two more trophies, and that is significant," Chivu said. "I think it's important to remember where we started: last season, we went into our second league game and lost at home. A year on, we're Italian champions and Coppa Italia winners, so there has clearly been real progress.

"At the same time, we're still working to add new elements to the way we play. There is always room to improve; the players are fully aware of that, and they're putting a lot into carrying out what we ask of them."