Inter Milan Coach Chivu Plays Serie A Title Mind Games: ‘I Agree With Allegri, Napoli Are The Favourites’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu says that he agrees with Max Allegri that Napoli are the favourites for the Serie A title.

The Nerazzurri coach gave his thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s league opener against Torino, as reported by FCInterNews.

This weekend sees the beginning of the Serie A season.

Reigning champions Napoli begun their campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over newly-promoted Sassuolo. Meanwhile, Roma also won against Bologna.

AC Milan, on the other hand, fell to a surprise defeat against Cremonese.

Today, the likes of Atalanta, Lazio, Juventus, and Fiorentina kick off their own campaigns.

Then tomorrow, Inter will be in action. They face Torino in the final match of the first weekend of the season, hosting the Granata at the San Siro.

Inter Coach Chivu: “I Agree With Allegri, Napoli Favourites For The Title”

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 15: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of Juventus looks on prior to the Serie A match between Torino FC and Juventus at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 15, 2022 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Inter coach Cristian Chivu is kicking off his first Serie A campaign at the helm of the Nerazzurri.

And as far as the title race goes, the Romanian declared that “I agree with Max Allegri.”

“He said that whichever team won the title last season are the favourites.”

“And Napoli, particularly given how much they’ve spent this summer, are the favourites,” Chivu added.

Meanwhile, Chivu called Inter’s preseason training period “short but intense.”

“We didn’t have many difficulties,” he said. “The players worked hard, and made themselves available for the start of the season.”

Chivu admitted that Inter are “a work in progress.”

“We want to improve this team’s performance both individually and collectively,” he declared. “We’re ready to get started. We can’t wait.”

Then, Chivu gave his thoughts on what he expects from tomorrow’s opposition Torino. He called the Granata “a team that has invested heavily, but that has the same structure.”

“There’s always a question mark when there’s a new coach,” he added.

“But knowing Baroni, who I respect for what he’s achieved in recent years, I expect that Torino will come to compete.”

Chivu commented that Torino “have nothing to lose.”

“They’ll want to get a result at the San Siro against a stronger team,” the Inter coach. “They’re tough, fit, and they know how to play.”

Chivu: “I Want Quality, Not Quantity From The Transfer Market”

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Chivu said of the transfer window that “I want quality, not quantity.”

“We’ve identified quality players who haven’t arrived,” he added. “And we’ve identified others who can enhance the team’s quality.”

“Our approach in the transfer market has always been targeted,” Chivu added.

“We’ve chosen a few names,” he added. “But in some cases the clubs we’ve been negotiating with have deemed the players unsellable,” he said of Ademola Lookman at Atalanta.

“Just as we’ve done the same with players of our own,” added the Nerazzurri coach.

“Clubs have the right to decide whether or not to sell a player.”

Chivu then added that “we’ve been consistent in our commitment to investing in young players.”

“We’ve chosen players who are ready to help us.”

The Inter coach hailed “a consistent approach with myself and the club.”

“We share the same thoughts. We know what the market is like today.”

Chivu stated that “I’m happy with what I have today.”

“We’ve maintained the approached we talked about in the United States. Investing in players with the quality and potential to improve the quality of our squad.”

“We prioritize quality over quantity,” the Inter coach reiterated. “We prefer players who are already ready.”

“And we know that with younger players it will take more patience and work.”

“But in the context of a top club like this, settling in is easier,” Chivu said. “Then, the club welcomes them and gives them what they need – it’s a perfect mix.”