(CEST) at 00:00 on September 6, Inter will host Napoli in Week 3 of Serie A. On the eve of the match, Inter head coach Chivu attended a press conference. This article is the first part of the press conference.

Good afternoon, coach. After achieving two consecutive victories in the first two league matches, we are facing a tough opponent, Napoli, in an important clash. I would like to ask you, looking forward to this match, what is the current state of the team? Is everyone full of confidence, and how has training gone this week?

We've had a good start in the league, and in the two matches against Monza and Cagliari, we've tried to display our tactical characteristics and the football we want to play. Of course, we also know that we haven't reached our peak physical condition yet. However, as time goes on, we are recovering step by step.

We are all very aware of the importance of this match, and we all know that Napoli were the league runners-up last season and won the league title two years ago. We all know how strong this team is, and we must be fully prepared to face such a high-level opponent and show our respect by being in our best condition.

It's good to see you again, Chivu. I'd like to bring the topic back to what was mentioned a few seconds ago, and also back to the beginning of last season, when Ausilio played a decisive role in choosing Cristian Chivu as Inter's new head coach. So I'd like to ask you, what does what happened this week (Ausilio's departure) mean to you personally? What did you say to Inter's former sporting director before he left?

Beyond his professional role, Piero (Ausilio) is first and foremost my friend. I have been fortunate and very happy to work with him at Inter for many years. I have also been fortunate and very happy to share the joy of winning titles together—both during my time as a player and especially as head coach. In today's football world, his dedication to the same club for so many years is truly a rare exception—he served here for 28 years, 14 of which as sporting director, achieving many great things. We must sincerely thank him for all he has done for me and for all of us over the years. Yesterday was a very emotional and moving day, as we had the opportunity to say goodbye, shake hands, hug, and especially thank him for all that he represents for this club.

Hello, I would like to ask you, precisely from your perspective as a head coach and manager, one point deeply touches me: you once said, "Currently, my main concern is to give playing time to players who need to regain their form and those who have just returned from the World Cup, and I hope to see smiles on the players' faces every Monday." Considering the significance of the new signings this year and the depth of our squad in positions like midfield, do you think squad integration and management will be a key factor this season? Especially in your second season, when you need to strive to defend the title and replicate last season's glory, in such a long and intense season, will managing the players' physical condition while also nurturing their mental and emotional well-being as "people" be where you need to particularly showcase your talent and high level?

One of the characteristics a coach must possess is... if I demand care and thoughtfulness within the team, then at the same time, I must constantly remember the full meaning of that word and be fully aware that satisfying everyone is by no means easy. This is where a coach's level is reflected: knowing how to do it and how to give.

Because I know very well that among 25 players, unfortunately only 11 can be happy on Sunday during the match. But what I firmly believe in is team cohesion, the high standards we must maintain in daily training from Monday to Saturday, and making players understand—and I think I did well last season, or rather, they understood very well themselves—the importance of the five substitutes, the importance of substitute players coming on, and that they must see this as an opportunity and a responsibility to their teammates.

Whether they play for 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or just 5 minutes, they must contribute. The mindset must be: we are all in the same boat, and when we are upset, we cannot show it; when the coach may have made an unjust decision against us, we also cannot show dissatisfaction. The wisdom and brilliance of a team lie in working together, moving in the same direction, and firmly believing that everyone will get their opportunity, because the season is long, there are many matches, and we need a continuous flow of fresh energy.

Good afternoon, I'd like to shift our attention to tomorrow's opponent. Napoli has a coach this year (Allegri) who beat you in both direct encounters last season. Considering this, coupled with the relatively minimal personnel changes at Napoli this season, to what extent will the combination of these two factors impact the current situation, especially tomorrow's match?

Regarding Allegri's standing in the eyes of Italian football, I am absolutely one of those who holds him in the highest esteem and admiration. Although his value is often questioned, I will never forget the six league titles he has won, his inherent winning mentality, his achievement of leading teams to two Champions League finals, and the wealth of experience he possesses as a highly seasoned coach, from which all young coaches like us must learn and draw lessons.

So, you don't need to remind me that we didn't beat him last season, because that is the reality, an established fact. We accepted this fact, moved on, got back up, and always kept our eyes on our greater goals. The league is a 38-game marathon, and losing some matches is normal. It does hurt to lose specific matches, but we never deviated from our overall objective, and fortunately, despite occasional defeats, especially those against Allegri, we ultimately achieved our goals.

We must do our utmost. It is not the coaches who play on the field, but the teams, prepared in a specific way and determined by their identity, the clubs they represent, and their ambitions. Both we and Napoli have the right ambition to continue this journey, to prove that we both aspire to compete until the very end.

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