Inter’s president hails Cristian Chivu’s mentality as key to their climb to the top of Serie A. For bettors: Inter look a strong long-term Scudetto pick, but rotation and injuries ahead of the Udinese match suggest single-game punters should consider double-chance or under-2.5 markets to reduce risk.
Marotta: Chivu’s mentality driving Inter’s title charge
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta has praised coach Cristian Chivu for instilling the right mentality during a period of major change, saying the club’s recent run of results proves the approach is working. Inter sit top of Serie A after a midweek win over Lecce that confirmed them as Winter Champions and extended their lead to three points over Milan and four over Napoli.
Scudetto ambitions intact
Marotta insisted the early-season loss to Udinese was circumstantial and part of a learning curve as Chivu adapted to the squad. “It takes time to learn the players, their tactical characteristics, and how to work with them in the best way,” he said, adding that Inter aim to be “among those teams battling to the end for the Scudetto.”
Injury concerns and squad rotation
With a significant Champions League tie looming, Chivu has rotated the squad. Francesco Pio Esposito has been brought into the team, while several key players are sidelined: Hakan Calhanoglu, Denzel Dumfries, Josep Martinez, Tomas Palacios and Raffaele Di Gennaro. Marotta highlighted the physical and mental toll of Serie A and stressed the importance of the mentality Chivu has cultivated to grind out results against tough, physical opponents like Udinese.
Commisso’s passing and Fiorentina legacy
Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso has died after a long illness. Marotta offered Inter’s condolences, praising Commisso as one of the last great patrons of Italian football who combined business vision with passion, citing projects such as Viola Park and efforts to rebuild the Stadio Franchi. He expressed hope the family will continue the projects Commisso began.
Transfer window update: Branimir Mlacic saga
The January window has been relatively quiet for Inter. The club had reached an agreement with Hajduk Split for defender Branimir Mlacic for around €5m, but complications emerged after the player changed agents, putting the deal in doubt. The situation remains unresolved as Inter weigh their options amid a busy fixture schedule.
Match context: Udinese test awaits
Inter travel to face a physically strong Udinese side that previously beat them 2-1 at San Siro in Week 2. Marotta warned that Udinese are difficult to break down and stressed the need for the same mentality that has produced Inter’s recent results.
Inter Milan Head Coach Trusts Italy Duo In Lineup For Serie A Trip To Udinese
Inter President Beppe Marotta praises Cristian Chivu for instilling the right ‘mentality’ among big changes since they last faced Udinese. ‘We’ll be among those battling to the end for the Scu...
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