Key Takeaways:
- Inter will host Arsenal at San Siro tomorrow in the Champions League Round 7
- Arsenal have secured five wins out of six in their European campaign, netting 17 goals and conceding only one
- Inter top Serie A with 49 points from 21 matches and remain unbeaten in their last five league games
Pre-Match Insights and Manager Comments
Inter manager Cristian Chivu has ranked Arsenal and Bayern Munich as the two most formidable sides in Europe at present, but he remains confident that his side will not concede defeat before the Champions League test against the Gunners. Arsenal, who have found the net 17 times and shipped just one goal during their six European fixtures this term, are the visitors to the San Siro for the vital Round 7 encounter.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu says Arsenal and Bayern Munich are currently the best two teams in Europe, but the Nerazzurri ‘haven’t already lost’ against the Gunners. pic.twitter.com/lKFnOLjPY8
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) January 19, 2026
Inter’s European and Domestic Form
The Nerazzurri began their Champions League campaign on a strong note, recording four consecutive victories. However, they suffered back-to-back defeats in their latest two matches, falling to Liverpool on home soil and Atletico Madrid away.
In Serie A, Inter have secured their position at the summit of the table, accumulating 49 points from 21 matches. Their recent domestic performances include four victories and a draw in their last five league outings, demonstrating consistent form ahead of their European challenge.
| Team | Champions League Results | League Position | Points (Games) | Last 5 League Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter | 4 wins, 2 losses | 1st | 49 (21) | 4 wins, 1 draw |
| Arsenal | 5 wins, 1 loss | 1st | 50 (22) | 3 wins, 2 draws |
Managerial Perspectives and Tactical Awareness
Chivu acknowledged the strengths of Arsenal, pointing to their recent domestic dominance and cohesive playing style: “We face a strong side, one of the best in Europe, not just now, but also in recent years,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia before his pre-match press conference.
“They have spent money, they have consistency and an identity, and they have players who can cause trouble for us. They’ve dominated in the Premier League in recent years, they nearly won the title, and now they are the table leaders and are having an important season.
“We are aware of the challenge posed by the Champions League and the English clubs,” Chivu continued.
“We know there are certain moments in the game, but we are also aware of who we have become in recent years, especially in European competitions. We know how to face these types, and we’ll try to be the best version of ourselves.”
Chivu on Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Lessons from Arteta
Former Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, who moved to the San Siro side last summer, has also praised Bayern Munich as Europe’s leading team. Echoing that sentiment, Chivu stated: “As I said after the Udinese game, I believe Arsenal and Bayern Munich are the best two teams in Europe right now, which doesn’t mean we’ve lost already,” Chivu noted. “We’ll try to play our game and do our best. We must understand the moments in the game, what the opponents offer and where they make us struggle.”
When asked about what he has learned from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Chivu replied: “There is always something to learn from the other coaches. A football enthusiast tries to understand the reasons why and takes what he believes is right to use in his own team. He shows that he’s strong and capable in a team that has ambition and tradition and wants to finish the year as a winner.”
