Chivu confident: ‘This changes nothing for Inter’

Cristian Chivu tries to keep Inter fully focused despite the change of Como approach this evening and Napoli result. ‘This changes nothing as far as we are concerned’

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News and Content – Free Trial – Click Here

It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

This could become a crossroads in the Scudetto race, because Napoli were held to a 1-1 draw by Parma this afternoon, so a victory would send the leaders nine points clear at the top of the table.

Chivu won’t let Inter get distracted

“We are focused on our own competitiveness, knowing it will not be easy against an ambitious team that is aiming for the Champions League,” Chivu told DAZN Italia.

“We know full well that we are going to require a very strong performance to get the points here today.”

Inter were held to a 0-0 draw here back on March 3 in the Coppa Italia semi-final, and the second leg will be at San Siro on April 21.

Cesc Fabregas has somewhat surprisingly gone for a very attack-minded formation this evening, with Tasos Douvikas, Nico Paz, Martin Baturina and Assane Diao together.

“I told my team we mustn’t change our shape, we have to follow what we prepared in training and understand the various moments of the match,” said Chivu.

“This changes nothing as far as we are concerned, we need to build on what we have done recently, showing courage and confidence.”

The Nerazzurri had only recently welcomed Lautaro Martinez back from a calf strain, but the captain has been ruled out by a fresh muscular injury along with Yann Bisseck.

Nonetheless, the striker is going to be on the bench to be close to his teammates.

“Lautaro was on the field last week, but I won’t forget the performances of Thuram, Esposito, Calhanoglu, all those who showed leadership, determination and character, they can do the same today,” assured Chivu.

Como know only a victory tonight will keep them in fourth place, as Juventus already beat Atalanta 1-0 last night to leapfrog them in the Serie A table.