Roma 2-2 Inter – Chivu Praises ‘Remarkable’ Second-Half Response
Cristian Chivu said he confronted his Inter players directly at half-time after falling 2-0 behind to Roma, keeping the exact content of that conversation private while praising the response it produced in a 2-2 draw.
Manu Koné’s brace had put Roma 2-0 up at the Stadio Olimpico in what was billed as an early Scudetto showdown. Lautaro Martinez responded with two goals of his own to drag Inter level, continuing a troubling pattern: according to the primary source, this was the fourth game running across Serie A and the Champions League in which Inter had gone 2-0 down, with only the 2-1 loss to Real Madrid ending in defeat. The issue of slow starts has followed Chivu’s side since the warning signs against Udinese and the subsequent comeback in that same fixture.
What Chivu Told His Players at the Break
Speaking to DAZN Italia, Chivu said he had told the players exactly what he thought of the first-half performance during the interval, adding that the substance of that message remained between him and the squad. He insisted it was the absolute truth of what he believed, and that he was convinced the players understood it too.
He went on to praise the second-half turnaround in terms of attitude, grit and character, calling it a remarkable response against a team he respects. Chivu said Inter had shown more of what the team had been searching for so far this season, and described the point earned at a difficult venue as a good one.
Intensity Without the Ball Remains the Issue
Chivu was candid that Inter’s initial approach needs work, saying the side must better understand the intensity opponents bring from kick-off. He stopped short of demanding Inter surpass that intensity, only that they match it – a pointed remark given his side have conceded nine goals in their last four competitive matches.
He also flagged the defensive phase specifically, saying Inter have to improve without the ball and acknowledging shortcomings in the first 45 minutes, much as he had after the recent 3-2 win over Napoli. Despite the concerns, Chivu noted Inter’s position was actually better than at this stage last season, sitting on 13 points after head-to-head clashes with Napoli and Roma.
Inter and Roma both remain top of Serie A on 13 points following the draw. Chivu said there is plenty to work on, but that he will take the positives from a second-half display he believes points in the right direction.
