Inter and Roma seek form ahead of San Siro clash
Inter Milan is six points clear at the Serie A summit ahead of a home clash against Roma on Monday (AEST) and boss Cristian Chivu insists he is not worried about his side's poor form ahead of the clash.
Inter has seen its lead at the summit cut down to just six points after dropping points in each of its past three games.
After a loss to rival AC Milan, which is second in Serie A, Inter drew 1-1 with both Atalanta and Fiorentina ahead of the recent international break.
Inter also drew 0-0 in the first leg of its Coppa Italia semi-final against Como, while it was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Bodo/Glimt in February.
Nevertheless, Chivu has full confidence in his side ahead of a tough test against Roma.
"I'm dealing with great champions from a human point of view," Chivu said.
"They showed it to me this year and in past seasons, where they always bounced back and fought back.
"They learned that being part of a team sometimes you fall and you don't reach your goal, but what counts is your reaction and your character, and what they show for their teammates and the respect for the club they represent, as well as the love of the fans.
"Disappointments are part of the game and we have to accept that. I'm not worried. They've shown themselves to be men with values and quality since I arrived here."
Roma has also struggled in recent weeks, winning just one of its past four league games while getting knocked out of the UEFA Europa League by Serie A rival Bologna.
The Giallorossi are three points off the UEFA Champions League places, and Gian Piero Gasperini believes there is now very little room for error.
"The team did play well in the last few games, with good fitness levels and mentality, but they didn't always lead to victories," Gasperini said.
"The two Europa League games with Bologna were not exactly lucky for us.
"The fact remains, we are in the final sprint, so let's tighten up the straps and get pedalling hard. We're at a stage now where there's less and less margin for error."
