Inter Milan Head Coach Praises His Team After Clinical Club World Cup Win Vs River Plate: “Team That Want To Be Dominant” | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu praised Inter Milan’s performance in a gutsy 2-0 win over River Plate in their final FIFA Club World Cup group-stage outing.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset via FCInterNews, the 44-year-old hailed Inter’s character and desire to dominate their opponents.

Things didn’t start well for Inter in Group E.

Indeed, they had to fight back to hold Monterrey to a 1-1 draw in a curtain-raising fixture.

Furthermore, it required Lautaro Martinez and Valentin Carboni’s late heroics to beat Urawa Red Diamonds on matchday two.

However, the Nerazzurri saved the best for the last.

Francesco Pio Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni scored in the second half to inspire Inter to a dominant win over River Plate.

It’s also worth noting that Marcelo Gallardo’s side picked up two red cards after halftime.

Nonetheless, it took nothing away from Inter’s promising performance at Lumen Field.

Cristian Chivu Praises Inter Milan Showing vs River Plate

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“It was a real match,” Cristian Chivu said after the game. “I’m glad because we managed to turn it around despite the struggles in the first half, where their intensity caught us a bit by surprise.

“We managed to match their determination and character so we wouldn’t get overrun by their style of play.

“Moreover, we found quality in our passing, played vertically, and occupied the pitch better.

“We achieved our goal of making it through to the next round.

“I’m happy for the players because it’s not easy to go through such a long training camp, to always stay focused, and try to recover both physically and mentally,” he added.

“I see the desire to honor this tournament, and despite our difficulties, to deliver a dominant performance.

“That’s what we did—they responded brilliantly, and I’m happy for everyone.”

Finally, he waxed lyrical about Pio Esposito, who scored in his first Club World Cup start.

“He worked hard for everyone. The team and I are happy for him.

“At the same time for what everyone managed to give – those who played, those who came off the bench, and even those who unfortunately didn’t get to play but still gave their energy and desire to their teammates.

“The applause happened, and by now it’s become a habit.

“That’s the way it should be, and now he should treat everyone to dinner.

“Scoring your first goal in your first start, in a competition like this, it’s a big deal.”