Chivu: Inter need pace and courage to defend space against Real Madrid
Quick summary
Inter coach Chivu outlines the tactical approach his side will need to contain Real Madrid, emphasizing pace, courage, and disciplined use of space.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceCristian Chivu explains his unexpected Inter changes against Real Madrid, including Curtis Jones and surprises in defence. ‘We need players with the courage to defend space behind them.’
It kicks off at the Bernabeu in Madrid at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.
The opening Champions League fixture is also going to be one of the toughest, with a trip to the iconic Bernabeu against Jose Mourinho’s side.
Chivu outlines Inter plan in Madrid MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) “We’ve got nothing to prove, we must keep showing what we had in the past and keep raising the bar, so this is the perfect match to take on the clubs with the very highest of objectives,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
Federico Dimarco and Djed Spence missed the trip, but while Jones gets his first start in the Nerazzurri jersey, both John Stones and Manuel Akanji are on the bench.
“When you set out a starting XI, there are many factors that dictate your decisions. Pace is something we could use, so it’s important to have players with the courage to defend space behind them against players like Vinicius and Mbappe.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Curtis Jones of Internazionale (L) acknowledges the fans after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) Jones had been a target for Chivu and Inter for many months, until Liverpool finally relented to the sale.
“We have a quality midfield. You talk about individuals, I talk about a group that has intensity and quality, who put themselves at the disposal of the team, including Sucic, Mkhitaryan, Stankovic and more,” noted the coach.
“These choices allow me to relax, knowing I don’t need to cause problems, because we have players of a certain level and games last 100 minutes now, so those who come on can and must do even better.”
MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 22: John Stones of Internazionale comes on as a substitute as Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and AC Monza at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on August 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) Real Madrid have even bigger concerns, as Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga sit out bans, with Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo injured, plus Aurelien Tchouameni, Endrick and Thiago Pitarch only fit for the bench.
It means Mourinho sets them out in what appears to be a 4-2-3-1 formation with Trent Alexander-Arnold shifted to midfield.
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What happened
Speaking ahead of a high-profile clash with Real Madrid, Inter head coach Chivu stressed that his team must combine speed with bravery when defending space. The comments point to a setup aware of Real Madrid's threat in transition and on the flanks. Chivu's framing suggests Inter are preparing for a disciplined, structured performance rather than an open contest. The fixture carries significant weight in the competition's narrative, with both clubs among the most storied sides in European football.
Chance analysis
Chivu's pre-match message reveals how Inter are framing the tactical challenge: containing Real Madrid's movement requires both athletic profile (pace) and a mindset (courage) to step into defensive duels rather than drop deep and concede territory. The emphasis on space — not just on the opponent's players — signals a focus on zonal discipline and second-ball control, areas that have historically separated competitive performances from heavy defeats in matches involving Real Madrid. For followers of the competition, it offers a window into how Inter intend to approach one of the toughest assignments in European football.
Inter are likely to adopt a structured, pace-first defensive approach against Real Madrid, prioritizing control of space over possession.