According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Internazionale coach Chivu hopes to maintain a strong attacking stance in the Champions League, with adjustments on the flanks. Andy Diouf is set to return to his original position, and the in-form Carlos Augusto is challenging Dimarco for a spot.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Chivu has always adhered to his "Europeanization" philosophy in terms of playing style, emphasizing aggression and daring, almost to the point of stubbornness. He will not change this approach tomorrow against a proud Shakhtar Donetsk, despite the team facing certain performance pressure after two consecutive losses. Internazionale can rotate players – at least three more than in the last away game against Bologna – but will not alter this bold attacking style. Chivu's off-field approach is also not typically "Italian"; he is unwilling to make excuses for himself, which is uncommon here. However, when it comes to results, Chivu's "European" credentials suddenly fade: consecutive Champions League losses across seasons have proven this, and this trend must be ended tomorrow against the Ukrainian team visiting Milan. Losing 7 of the last 8 European matches is not what Internazionale is accustomed to. Last season's elimination by Bodø/Glimt, still fresh in memory, was also unexpected, as in the season before that, the team only stopped in the final. Overall, the league has shown Chivu's ability to build an attacking team, manage difficulties, and utilize squad depth, but the pressure the Champions League places on Internazionale is entirely different: this competition continues to present the team with an excessively high bill. After already responding mentally to the Bologna match, tomorrow they must also tactically and technically overpower this team, coached by Arda Turan, which has left Donetsk due to the Russian invasion. In this context, if Internazionale can win convincingly, it will not only improve their already complicated league stage standing but also allow Chivu to prove his established status in Serie A extends to European competitions. Ultimately, this will also please the club, as they built this squad with the expectation that the team would be competitive outside of Italy; the Champions League Round of 16 qualification, missed at the most critical moment last season, was precisely what Oaktree explicitly demanded the team achieve.
Bonny's turn
Chivu will face his European test in the "football cathedral" of San Siro, and this match also forces him to make carefully considered adjustments, both managing physical fitness and fielding the most suitable players. Adjustments will begin with the front line: Lautaro is absent, and Thuram takes on the leadership role, leaving only one position open. Thus, after waiting nine matches, the coach decided to start Mateo Retegui. This striker, whom he knew from Parma, has seen his playing opportunities reduced to a marginal role since reuniting with his former mentor at Internazionale. Yet the data provides an answer and indicates his potential: 3 goals in 8 substitute appearances, totaling 171 minutes, never starting, averaging one goal every 57 minutes. His latest goal was scored last Saturday in Emilia, bringing his tally to 2 goals in the last two games and 3 goals in the last five. Partnering with Thuram, Internazionale's attack will be faster, more flexible, and have greater depth in counterattacks, but will lack the physical presence and hold-up play that a target man provides in central areas and in physical duels. This is a clear tactical shift, and it comes in the most sensitive European match of the early season.
Beyond Calhanoglu
Internazionale's first-half performance away against Bologna was not ideal, once again exposing the team's old problem – dependence on Calhanoglu. Without this core playmaker, Chivu struggles to maintain order and control in the team, which is precisely what is most needed against the Ukrainian side. Data once again reveals the reality: even considering injuries accumulated over the years, he remains an indispensable midfielder. In the league, he has made 5 appearances, playing 208 minutes, scoring 3 goals, averaging one goal every 69 minutes. In the Champions League, the same pattern applies: overall quality drops, and results decline accordingly, with 2 appearances, 125 minutes, no goals, and no assists. This time, however, there's an emotional element: Arda Turan is not just a former teammate, but more like a brother, yet now he stands as the opposing coach. The two even participated in Euro 2016 together, fighting side-by-side in the Turkish national team, each representing the leading figures of two different midfield generations. Alongside Calhanoglu, veteran Barella is expected, while the other central midfielder will be chosen between Zielinski and Mkhitaryan, with the Armenian currently enjoying a strong resurgence. As for the coach's remaining considerations, they focus on the flanks: after the disappointing Emilia performance, Henrikh Mkhitaryan will return to the bench, yielding the right flank to the more proactive Diouf; the left flank will be firmly held by the ever-reliable Dimarco, facing the challenge from the in-form Carlos Augusto. The Brazilian is perhaps the team's most in-form player, even ready to challenge the Italian international for his spot. The decision for the goalkeeper position – to continue with Martinez, or to give Provedel his chance – will be revealed at the last minute. Chivu wants to be extremely cautious, not wanting to take a misstep. As a committed "Europeanist," he indeed stands at a crossroads in continental competition.
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