Inter boss Chivu disappointed by Thuram injury ahead of Cremonese visit

Cristian Chivu expressed his disappointment after Inter striker Marcus Thuram was ruled out of Saturday's visit from Cremonese in Serie A.

Thuram was forced off in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Slavia Praha in the Champions League, and will play no part in their next fixture due to a thigh injury.

His absence could open the door for either Ange-Yoan Bonny or Francesco Pio Esposito, who will be aiming to score in back-to-back Serie A games for Inter for the first time.

"Marcus was the player who came off first in Cagliari, so he had a few extra minutes to rest. Against Slavia, I saw him and Lautaro [Martinez] as the pair that could cause the most problems," Chivu said at Friday's press conference.

"He was enjoying himself and feeling good, but unfortunately, injuries are always around the corner, and it's disappointing on a human level.

"The injury is not too serious; he just needs a bit of time before we have him back with us."

At the other end of the pitch, Inter have conceded at least one goal in seven of their last nine Serie A home games, keeping only two clean sheets in that period.

Their nine points from five games leave them fifth and three points behind AC Milan, Napoli and Juventus, who are all fighting for the lead at the Serie A summit.

Chivu knows improvements are still needed, though the former defender is starting to see improvements.

"We've found balance, we’re more careful even when we try to attack," Chivu added.

"I'm happy because I always start from the principle of not conceding goals and having an organised and focused team, with a strong desire not to concede."

Cremonese have already won at San Siro this season as Federico Bonazzoli's acrobatic bicycle kick proved decisive in a 2-1 win over Milan.

"Inter are a team that does everything very well: possession, press between the lines, track back and counter-attack," Cremonese coach Davide Nicola said at a press conference.

"We're going to learn from the best, and it's a great opportunity for us to understand the level we can reach. It will be an important game to give us an idea of what's needed to stay at the top."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter – Lautaro Martinez

Martinez has failed to score or assist in his last five Serie A matches against newly promoted sides, including the one against Sassuolo in this campaign.

However, he has scored three goals in two Serie A matches against Cremonese, and will fancy his chance of adding to that tally here after also netting twice in midweek in the Champions League.

Cremonese – Franco Vazquez

Franco Vazquez has scored two goals in his last four Serie A matches against Inter, though those strikes came between 2014 and 2016.

His last match against Inter brought one of those goals, scoring in a 3-1 defeat for Palermo way back in March 2016.