Chivu expects tough title defence for Inter
Inter Milan regained its Serie A crown last season, but head coach Cristian Chivu knows his squad now has a target on its back for 2026-2027.
Inter won its 21st Scudetto last term and did so with ease, finishing 11 points ahead of 2024-2025 champion Napoli.
Since the end of last season, both Napoli and AC Milan have changed head coaches, while Como and Juventus have strengthened in the transfer market.
Inter has brought in the likes of John Stones and Aleksandar Stankovic, and although Chivu is yet to work out who his closest competitors will be, he knows the Nerazzurri have a tough title defence ahead.
"I haven’t quite worked that one out yet," Chivu said asked who his biggest rivals will be this season.
"It’s the usual teams, the ones who want to make life difficult for the reigning Italian champions. We’re the team to beat.
"We’re still missing a few pieces, and we still have a few weeks to get ourselves into the best possible shape for the opening league match.
"The most important thing so far is that we’ve had very few physical issues. At the moment, that’s the most encouraging aspect, and we’re happy about that."
Inter has two more friendlies to play in pre-season, with Chivu's side going up against Juve and Real Betis.
Its Serie A title defence starts on 23 August (AEST) when it hosts newly promoted Monza at San Siro.
