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Inter ran away with the title in its first campaign under Chivu in 2025-2026, finishing 11 points clear of Napoli, which was the defending champion under Antonio Conte.

Inter opens the new season against Serie B play-off winner Monza on Sunday (AEST).

Inter saw Denzel Dumfries join Real Madrid, while experienced defenders Matteo Darmian, Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi have also departed.

But it has also been busy with incomings, with Djed Spence, John Stones, Aleksandar Stankovic and Ivan Provedel all arriving, while Manuel Akanji's loan from Manchester City was made permanent.

"We are aware that we are always the team to beat and no one will give us anything," Chivu said. "We often talk about ambitions, and everyone starts from scratch.

"I am interested in our growth, without being satisfied with what we have done. We have room for improvement."

Chivu is also confident Inter will keep hold of club captain Lautaro Martinez, who was the leading scorer in Serie A last season with 17 goals, but has again been linked with a move to Barcelona.

Asked about the Argentina international, who is available for the Monza game despite having a shortened pre-season because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Chivu said: "I fear nothing, and I'm here to talk about Monza.

"Lautaro is our captain, and there will still be a lot of talk about him. I hold him close, and I think he will stay with us for a long time.

"The market is always like this, news comes out... It's nice to talk about certain players because it means that they are recognised as great. Tomorrow, we'll see how he is."

Chivu was also asked what different qualities Spence would bring to Inter's backline, compared to the now-departed Dumfries.

"I find it unfair to make comparisons; I can say that I am pleased he has room for improvement," Chivu said.

"[Spence] has been part of a competitive group for years and that wants to do so in the future as well."

Monza finished third in Serie B last term before drawing 2-2 on aggregate with Catanzaro in the play-offs, with its superior position in the league seeing it promoted.