Inter ready to face one of Europe's best teams in Arsenal showdown, says Chivu

Cristian Chivu says Inter should not be written off before facing Arsenal, despite the Gunners being "one of the best in Europe".

Inter are sixth in the Champions League standings ahead of their penultimate league-phase game, six points behind top-of-the-table Arsenal, who are yet to drop points in the competition this term.

And Mikel Arteta's side, who have also conceded just once in Europe so far, are the favourites to lift the trophy this season, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 26% chance of doing so.

Inter, by contrast, have a 4% likelihood of clinching the title, with a 9% chance of making a second consecutive final, following last year's 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Chivu's side won their first four matches in the Champions League this term, but have subsequently lost to Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.

However, the Italian is confident Inter are up for the fight.

"We face a strong side, one of the best in Europe, not just now, but also in recent years," Chivu told Sky Sports Italia.

"They have spent money, they have consistency and an identity, and they have players who can cause trouble for us.

"They've dominated in the Premier League in recent years, they nearly won the title, and now they are the table leaders and are having an important season.

"We are aware of the challenge posed by the Champions League and the English clubs.

"That doesn't mean we're losing; we'll try to play our game, we'll do our best to understand the moments of the match, what our opponents throw at us and what they put us through. We know how to face these types of teams, and we'll try to be the best version of ourselves."

Inter have won two of their previous three meetings with Arsenal in the Champions League (L1), including one against Arteta in last season's league phase (1-0 in November 2024).

However, the Nerazzurri have lost two of their last three home matches against English sides (both versus Liverpool in 2022 and 2025), as many defeats as they suffered through their first 10 home games against such opponents in the European Cup/Champions League (W5 D3 L2).

Arsenal have a +16 goal difference in Europe's premier club competition this season, winning their games by an aggregate score of 17-1 and keeping five clean sheets.

And Chivu was full of praise for Arteta, saying: "There is always something to learn from the other coaches.

"A football enthusiast tries to understand the reasons why and takes what he believes is right to use in his own team.

"He shows that he's strong and capable in a team that has ambition and tradition and wants to finish the year as a winner."