Key Takeaways:
- Inter coach Cristian Chivu addressed the press ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Bologna
- Hakan Calhanoglu has travelled to Saudi Arabia and is fit for selection after missing the 2-1 win over Genoa
- All Supercoppa semi-finals and the final are being held at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Supercoppa Italiana: Format and Venue
The Supercoppa Italiana is taking place at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring both semi-finals and the final. The competition, which was formerly contested between the Coppa Italia and Serie A champions, has adopted a new structure beginning in 2023. It now welcomes the runners-up from both Serie A and the Coppa Italia alongside the winners, expanding the field of contenders.
Cristian Chivu verso Bologna-Inter di Supercoppa:
“Probabilmente non meritiamo di stare qua ma approfittiamo del nuovo format. È stato fatto un regalo a noi e al Milan con questo mini torneo visto che dovrebbero giocare Napoli e Bologna”.
Verità. pic.twitter.com/81XyzkmojH
— Fabrizio Biasin (@FBiasin) December 18, 2025
Inter secured their place by finishing second in the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, trailing Napoli. Milan, meanwhile, earned their berth after finishing as runners-up in the Coppa Italia Final to Bologna. The other semi-final match between Napoli and Milan is also scheduled to be played at the Riyadh venue.
| Supercoppa Italiana Fixtures | Location |
|---|---|
| Inter vs Bologna (Semi-final) | Al-Awwal Park Stadium, Riyadh |
| Napoli vs Milan (Semi-final) | Al-Awwal Park Stadium, Riyadh |
| Final | Al-Awwal Park Stadium, Riyadh |
Chivu on Inter’s Position and Ambition
Inter manager Cristian Chivu spoke during a press conference on Thursday in the build-up to the semi-final against Bologna. Chivu acknowledged the privilege of being able to compete for the Supercoppa under the tournament’s revised structure, stating: “Maybe we don’t deserve to be here, but we’re taking advantage of the new format. This mini-tournament is a gift for Milan and us. We’re here, so we want to play all the way to the end.”
While conceding that his squad benefitted from the new qualifying rules, Chivu emphasised Inter’s hunger to remain competitive and grow. “It’s a trophy you can win with two games. This team can still grow; it has the desire and ambition to keep moving along this path,” he said via FcInter1908.
Team News: Calhanoglu Returns
Inter have received a boost with the news that midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has rejoined the squad in Saudi Arabia. The Turkish international missed the 2-1 victory over Genoa on Sunday but is now available for selection in the semi-final. Chivu indicated: “Calhanoglu trained with us today and is available to the group. We’ll evaluate whether he starts or comes on during the match.”
Motivation and Squad Mentality
When asked if a potential trophy win as Inter boss would provide additional motivation, Chivu responded: “It doesn’t change anything for me. I’m not chasing a reputation. I’d be happy for them [the players]. I’m enjoying our growth; we want to show how good and valuable these players are around Italy and Europe.” He further praised the players’ character and commitment: “They deserve a lot for who they are as people. We have the desire and the awareness of what we want and what we can do.”
Assessing the Bologna Threat
Chivu recognised the challenge that Bologna pose, regardless of who is at the helm, saying: “Bologna aren’t a tricky team just for Inter, but for everyone. They were before with Thiago Motta and with Sinisa [Mihajlovic], and they are still with Italiano. They have energy and fo things that put anyone in trouble, we have to match their intensity.”
Inter’s Record and Determination
With questions posed about Inter’s record against direct rivals since Chivu took charge, he underlined the difficulty of consistently beating top opponents and pointed to other significant fixtures, commenting: “Roma are also a head-to-head clash that is never mentioned. We don’t have anything to prove. We certainly don’t lack the desire to win them all, but it’s never easy. What happened with Milan last season is the past, we’ll try to get past Bologna and then we’ll see.”
Chivu concluded with an affirmation of his squad’s hunger for success and resilience: “The group is hungry and wants to win trophies. We’ve done our best to bring back enthusiasm and self-belief. Football can be cruel at times when you lose undeservedly, but you must always leave the pitch with your head held high. We know the commitment we put in every day and what we want to build for the future.”
