Cristian Chivu’s Inter Milan enter their Champions League fixture against Feyenoord with a defiant message: they are still in the race. The Nerazzurri manager, who took charge of the club in the summer, has refused to concede defeat despite a 3-1 Serie A derby loss to Milan on Saturday—a result that now leaves them three points adrift of leaders Lazio. Yet Chivu’s confidence remains unshaken, a testament to the resilience he has demanded from his squad since his arrival.
The road to Rotterdam is not an easy one. Inter’s squad is ravaged by injuries, with Lautaro Martínez, Benjamin Pavard, John Stones, Curtis Jones, and Luis Henrique all sidelined. The absence of such key figures—particularly Martínez, Inter’s top scorer last season—has forced Chivu to adapt tactically. His side has shown a willingness to sit deep in a low block before transitioning into high pressing, a system that has frustrated opponents in domestic fixtures. However, Feyenoord, a team that has struggled away from home in recent seasons, will test Inter’s ability to execute this approach under pressure. The Dutch club’s home record in the Champions League is a mixed bag, but their recent form in the Eredivisie suggests they are a side capable of capitalizing on any tactical missteps.
Chivu’s words carry weight beyond the immediate match. He has framed Inter’s campaign as one of learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on setbacks. ‘There have been negative episodes and mistakes that we have to learn from, accept and move past,’ he stated, emphasizing the need for collective growth. The manager’s faith in his players is evident, particularly in the case of young talents like the recently promoted defender, who Chivu praised for his development and Champions League experience with Club Brugge. Yet the challenge of maintaining consistency in Europe remains. Inter’s first two Champions League games—defeats to Real Madrid and Barcelona—were not just losses but tactical revelations about their vulnerabilities. Feyenoord, a team that has shown flair and determination in recent seasons, will seek to exploit those weaknesses.
The stakes could not be higher. Inter’s next fixtures include a potential Scudetto showdown with Como and another high-stakes Serie A clash against Bologna. Yet the immediate priority is Tuesday’s encounter in Rotterdam. Feyenoord, a side that has improved under new management, will be hungry for a result after their recent struggles in the league phase. Inter’s ability to adapt, both tactically and mentally, will be the difference between another disappointing night in Europe or a step toward the knockout stages. Chivu’s side has the tools—defensive solidity, midfield control, and a front line capable of breaking down high blocks—but whether they can translate that into results remains the question.
One thing is clear: Inter are not backing down. The Nerazzurri’s approach to this campaign has been one of quiet determination, a far cry from the public frustration that plagued their previous season. Chivu’s leadership, combined with the hunger of a squad that has tasted success in Europe, suggests that even with the odds stacked against them, Inter will fight for every point. The test begins in Rotterdam.
