Inter Milan Coach Chivu Calls Udinese ‘A Tough Opponent’ Ahead Of Serie A Clash – Adds Thoughts On Frattesi & Calhanoglu | OneFootball

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu says that Udinese are “a tough opponent” ahead of tomorrow evening’s Serie A clash.

The Nerazzurri coach spoke in a press conference ahead of the match, as reported by FCInterNews. He also gave his thoughts on midfielders Davide Frattesi and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Inter Milan take on Udinese in Serie A tomorrow evening.

The Nerazzurri began their league campaign with a statement win over Torino. They prevailed over the Granata by a scoreline of 5-0 last Monday.

Meanwhile, Udinese began their season with a hard-fought draw against Hellas Verona.

Despite the impressive win over Torino on opening day, Inter will hardly be underestimating Udinese.

The Friulani have proven to be a difficult team to face for Inter over the last few years. They have developed a reputation for being a gritty, physical team, and have made things tough for all the big sides.

Inter Coach Chivu: “Udinese Are A Tough Opponent”

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter coach Cristian Chivu said ahead of tomorrow’s match that “we can’t get our attitude wrong.”

“We have to get it right in terms of mentality, determination, aggression, and quality,” he said.

Chivu declared that “Udinese are a tough opponent.”

The Inter coach called the Friylani “physically strong.”

“They don’t have any problems creating chances. I appreciate and respect their coach greatly.”

Chivu said of Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic that “last season he showed great things, especially in terms of his tactical flexibility.”

He stated that Udinese “started with a 4-4-2 shape, but made great use of Thauvin’s ability playing off Lucca.”

“They also have a midfield that’s well-suited to fighting for everything and winning second balls,” Chivu added.

“But they also have a lot of quality. They’ve changed the system this season, but the players’ quality is always the same.”

“Facing a team like Udinese is always difficult,” Chivu stated.

Meanwhile, Chivu also spoke about Inter midfielder Davide Frattesi. “Davide has the characteristics of a midfielder,” he said. “But he can also play off the striker.”

“So when we play with two attacking midfielders, or two players off the striker, I see him as a good fit.”

“He has the right characteristics to fit there,” Chivu said of Frattesi. “But he’s a midfielder, so he can also allow me to play with three midfielders to pack the centre.”

The Inter coach noted that “Sometimes I don’t trust having just two midfielders and then two players off the striker.”

Then, Chivu said of Hakan Calhanoglu that “he’s an important player and he’s proven it.”

“Just as he’s shown his desire to be part of this group and improve.”

Chivu said Calhanoglu “has come back motivated, and with the right mentality and ambition, the desire to put last season behind him.”