Cristian Chivu insists Inter ‘will always have ups and downs,’ but while they stumbled against rivals Milan in the derby, ‘the important thing is how you react.’

The Nerazzurri go into the break for international duty just one point off Serie A leaders Lazio, having shaken off their Derby della Madonnina defeat to Milan with a 3-0 Champions League success away to Feyenoord and 2-0 win over Como.

The coach was in Parma today to receive an award in the city where his senior management career began in 2025.

Chivu faith in Inter reaction

“Seasons are long, there are always going to be ups and downs, you know that you need a lot of hard work, patience, sacrifice, and the ability to get back on your feet together,” said Chivu during the awards ceremony.

“We must do everything we can to achieve results, aware that sometimes you will slip up, but the important thing is how you react. We mustn’t get too over-excited when we win, nor fall into depression when things don’t go well.

“We’ll continue to do everything to maintain that competitiveness we need to see out a season that we feel can be strong.”

Chivu won the domestic double of the Scudetto and Coppa Italia in his first full season as a coach with Inter.

Hiring him to replace Simone Inzaghi was a gamble, considering the former defender had only 13 previous Serie A matches under his belt as a coach at Parma.

“I am grateful for the faith that Parma showed in me and was given a big responsibility to secure Serie A safety there. I’d say it went well thanks to hard work and humility.

“Coming back here is a very emotional experience, I have to admit it. This city became ‘mine’ for what I wanted to give.”