Chivu Emphasizes Player Health After Inter’s Preseason Draw with AC Milan
Cristian Chivu reflected on Inter’s 1-1 preseason draw with AC Milan in Perth, telling Sky Sport that the health of his players was the main thing he was taking away from the Australian derby – with Yann Bisseck‘s late head injury the one concerning note of the evening.
Federico Dimarco tapped home a Nicolò Barella cutback seven minutes into the second half to give the Nerazzurri the lead, before Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty in the 83rd minute to level at Optus Stadium. As Goal.com reported, Chivu spoke to Sky Sport after the final whistle.
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Chivu framed the fixture in honest terms, describing it as a friendly in August where neither squad’s condition is at its peak. He said his players tried to do good things and give everything despite legs not being fresh, acknowledging the physical reality of where both squads are in their preparations.
Bisseck Injury and Centre-Back Depth
On what he took away from the match, Chivu said the health of his players was what mattered most – apart from Bisseck, who suffered a heavy blow to the head after Pervis Estupiñán clattered into the back of his head late on, earning a booking. A very dazed Bisseck had to be helped off the field as a result. Chivu indicated that beyond that incident, the result itself mattered little at this stage.
Chivu also spoke about his centre-back options, noting that with only four available in camp – Benjamin Pavard, Bisseck, Alessandro Bastoni and Carlos Augusto – all four have done a great job and given their all. He expressed happiness that the team managed to give all of them more minutes across the preseason.
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Chivu was direct when asked about Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange Yoan Bonny, both of whom featured in Perth. He said the pair showed what they were capable of last season, that they earned their place in this squad, and that as champions of Italy they deserve to be treated as exactly that – reminding listeners not to forget the contribution both made with their talent and promise during the Scudetto run.