Chivu expects tough test for Inter against Napoli
Inter Milan is looking to build on its seven-match winning streak in all competitions against a Napoli side that has lost its past two games when second plays third in Serie A this weekend.
Inter is currently second on the table, above Napoli on goal difference, with the Nerazzurri on a seven-match winning streak in all competitions.
Napoli, meanwhile, comes into the match on the back of two successive defeats, having lost 1-0 to Torino last weekend before suffering a thumping 6-2 loss to PSV in Europe.
But those results have only made Chivu more wary of the threat his team will face at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
"What's already happened has little to do with it," Chivu said.
"We're playing against the Italian champions, and their ambitions are still very high. It will be a hard-fought game, and everyone wants to bring home the result."
Asked if this game could define Inter's season, Chivu added: "This is an important game and we can't deny the evidence.
"But it's too early to say. There are lots of teams who have already lost twice. Whatever is true for one team is also true for the others.
"We need to understand the importance of the match. We have to have the right conviction and the right passion. The game will not be easy in terms of atmosphere either; we have to be ready mentally."
Unlike his counterpart, Antonio Conte did not face the press ahead of this weekend's match as reports emerged that his side could be without two key players.
Napoli has confirmed that goalkeeper Alex Meret will not be in between the sticks after he suffered a fracture in his foot during a training session.
Conte's side is also set to be without Rasmus Hojlund because of a muscle injury.
The on-loan Manchester United striker is Napoli's highest scorer this season, having netted four goals in six appearances across all competitions.
