Inter Milan Claims 4-1 Victory Over Monza, Chivu Highlights Team’s Improvement
In their opening match of the Serie A season, Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu noted that his team required a half to shake off the nerves but expressed satisfaction with the improved performance during the second half that led to a decisive 4-1 victory over newly-promoted Monza on Saturday evening.
The Nerazzurri launched their title defense with a resounding win at San Siro, powered by goals from Hakan Calhanoglu, Piotr Zielinski, Pio Esposito, and Yann Bisseck. Monza managed to score once, with Gustavo Varela netting the visitors’ lone goal in the match.
Despite the score, Chivu acknowledged that his players felt some pressure after Monza equalized midway through the first half. The coach emphasized that scoring early in the second half was pivotal in regaining control of the game.
“We have to give credit to our opponents, who gave us some difficulty. We tried to follow the game plan, and there was a bit of rust to get rid of,” Chivu said during his post-match interview with DAZN. He added, “We found more fluidity in the second half thanks to the goal at the beginning, finding the move that we needed.”
The coach expressed his approval of how his players approached the game, addressing the importance of making adjustments based on the players’ dynamics. “We always have to find the right solution, and we need to try to do that with the players. The players who went to the World Cup made themselves available immediately, ahead of schedule even. That’s the most pleasing thing to see as a coach.”
Chivu also updated reporters on the status of center-forward Marcus Thuram, who was unable to participate in the match against Monza. “He’s continuing to get ready. He had a few problems at the World Cup, and we all know that. He’s made himself available but isn’t in a position to get any minutes. He’s an intelligent guy, and we’re both working hard so that he gets back to his best condition,” he stated.
Additionally, Chivu addressed Lautaro Martinez, who faced a disappointing end to his World Cup journey with Argentina and has been linked with a potential transfer to Barcelona. “There are lots of situations that a coach must understand,” Chivu reflected. “We mustn’t forget his end to the World Cup. I try to see the human being first. I also try to help the players, even if Lautaro doesn’t need my help because he’s a part of Inter’s history and is a great guy.”
Inter head coach Cristian Chivu says that his side needed 45 minutes to dust off the cobwebs in their first Serie A match of the season, but says that he is pleased with the ‘fluidity’ that he saw from his team in the second half of their 4-1 win over Monza on Saturday evening.
The Nerazzurri began their Serie A title defence with a statement 4-1 victory over newly-promoted Monza in San Siro thanks to goals from Hakan Calhanoglu, Piotr Zielinski, Pio Esposito and Yann Bisseck, Gustavo Varela providing the visitors’ only goal of the game.
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You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Chivu reacts to Inter 4-1 Monza: ‘We have to give credit to Monza’
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Despite the final scoreline, there were a touch of nerves from the home side after Monza had equalised with a well-taken finish after half an hour. Chivu, speaking in his post-match interview with DAZN, says that getting the second goal early in the second half was the key to unlocking the match, though.
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“We have to give credit to our opponents, who gave us some difficulty, we tried to follow the game plan and there was a bit of rust to get rid of. We found more fluidity in the second half thanks to the goal at the beginning, finding the move that we needed.”
Chivu was asked if he was pleased with the way that his players approached the game against Monza.
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Francesco Pio Esposito of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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He replied: “We always have to find the right solution, we have to try to do that with the players. The players who went to the World Cup made themselves available immediately, ahead of schedule even. That’s the most pleasing thing to see as a coach.”
Chivu also gave an update on the condition of centre-forward Marcus Thuram, who was not involved against Monza.
“He’s continuing to get ready,” the coach said. “He had a few problems at the World Cup and we all know that. He’s made himself available but isn’t in a position to get any minutes. He’s an intelligent guy and we’re both working hard so that he gets back to his best condition.”
Chivu also spoke about Lautaro Martinez, who had a disappointing end to his World Cup campaign with Argentina and has also been linked with a move to Barcelona over the last week.
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“There are lots of situations that a coach must understand,” said Chivu. “We mustn’t forget his end to the World Cup. I try to see the human being first. I also try to help the players, even if Lautaro doesn’t need my help because he’s a part of Inter’s history and is a great guy.”
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