Key Takeaways:
- Inter will visit Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin at 18:00 CET on Saturday
- Manuel Akanji, signed from Manchester City on deadline day, is expected to make his debut for Inter in this match
- Cristian Chivu has defended Hakan Calhanoglu and Yann Bisseck against criticism from some supporters and the media
Match Preview: Inter Ready to Face Juventus in High-Stakes Derby d’Italia
As Inter prepare to face their arch-rivals Juventus in a crucial Serie A fixture, manager Cristian Chivu has underlined the importance of team spirit, insisting that “pride is worth more than all the tactics” when it comes to high-pressure encounters such as the Derby d’Italia.
The Nerazzurri arrive at the third round of the campaign having recorded a victory and a defeat from their opening two matches. In a pre-match press conference held on Friday, Chivu reflected on the team’s recent preparations, the return of the full squad after the international break, and the challenge posed by Juventus.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu insists ‘pride is worth more than tactics’ as the Nerazzurri prepare for a big Serie A game against Juventus. pic.twitter.com/2axooPYKro
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) September 12, 2025
Squad Preparations and Chivu’s Approach
Chivu spoke candidly about the readiness of his team and the distinct nature of Saturday’s match, stating that the entire squad is available and hungry to play. He referenced his previous victory over Juventus coach Igor Tudor four months ago, then as Parma manager, but was quick to point out the uniqueness of the current occasion. Chivu acknowledged the improvements made by Juventus – notably the return of Bremer in defence and their effective transfer window – and expressed confidence in his players’ mentality.
He highlighted the importance of “mental clarity” and expressed that his Inter side must not be weighed down by pressure, instead trusting in their pride and willingness to meet high expectations on the pitch.
Areas for Improvement and Team Philosophy
Addressing the team’s performance so far, Chivu noted that Inter possess certain certainties, and stressed that rather than overhauling systems, his focus is on complementing the existing strengths with energy, motivation, and renewed confidence. He said that continual self-improvement and courage are the only ways for the side to grow over the course of a demanding season.
Manuel Akanji Set for Inter Debut
Deadline day signing Manuel Akanji is anticipated to make his first appearance for the club, with Chivu describing the Switzerland international as “an important player with international value and stature.” He reaffirmed that all his players have a key role to play and stressed his satisfaction with the quality and attitude shown within the squad.
Chivu also indicated that adaptability and dominance would be vital to finding solutions against Juventus, as his team aims to create problems for their opponents and withstand the rigours of top-flight competition.
Chivu Defends Both Bisseck and Calhanoglu
A number of Inter supporters and media outlets have recently expressed criticism towards Hakan Calhanoglu and Yann Bisseck. However, Chivu defended both players, noting Calhanoglu’s strong motivation after an injury layoff of two and a half months and acknowledging his difficult summer following an attempt to feature in the Club World Cup.
Regarding Bisseck, Chivu emphasised the dangers of undermining the confidence of young players after early mistakes, stressing the need for patience and support to allow them to contribute meaningfully to the team’s ambitions.
| Fixture | Date | Time (CET) | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juventus vs Inter | Saturday, 13 September | 18:00 | Allianz Stadium, Turin | Derby d’Italia, Manuel Akanji likely to debut |
Matchday Details
The much-anticipated encounter between Juventus and Inter is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 CET at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on Saturday, September 13. Football Italia will be among the accredited publications present to cover the event.
