Club World Cup, Inter returns to the field: Cristian Chivu has clear ideas

After the draw against Monterrey in the first match of the World Cup for Clubs 2025, Inter prepare for their second challenge, scheduled for Saturday at 9 p.m. Italian time against another opponent they have never faced before at official level, the Urawa Red Diamonds. In fact, the only previous one dates back to a 2004 summer friendly tour by the Nerazzurri, who were defeated 1-0 but on the pitch with a very different team from the one that would later face in the 2004-2005 season, since at the same time half the squad was completing preparation in Italy.

Cristian Chivu, in a press conference, tried to anticipate the themes of a challenge that is crucial to aspire to qualification for the round of 16. “You have to find the right energy after nine months of nonstop battles – he explained. Before the game against Monterrey we had only two full training sessions, we cannot make tactical revolutions although the players are very receptive to some changes”.

“For sure we have to avoid a slow maneuver– added the Romanian coach -. However, there is to say that we gave everything against Monterrey, perhaps missing a few too many chances. What will I change in terms of formation? I will announce it in due time, however, there are interesting players who can give us a hand, such as Francesco Pio Esposito, who should play if not from the’beginning at least on a running match”.

against the Japanese club, Inter is forced to score a full result to avoid reaching the closing match of the round, against River Plate, on the brink of elimination. The Nerazzurri are seeking their first success outside Italian borders since last April 8, when with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Frattesi the Nerazzurri got the better of Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.