Internazionale coach Chivu will maintain his aggressive approach against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, despite two successive defeats and a run of seven losses in their past eight European matches.
The Ukrainian side, coached by Arda Turan, will visit San Siro on Wednesday, with Chivu expected to make at least three more changes than he did for the recent away match against Bologna. However, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Italian will not compromise on his attacking philosophy.
Chivu has consistently pursued what he calls the “Europeanization” of Internazionale, favouring intensity and risk-taking. He has also refused to make excuses, but results in Europe have not matched that outlook. Internazionale’s Champions League defeats have continued across seasons, while last season’s elimination by Bodø/Glimt remains particularly painful after the team reached the final the previous campaign.
The club’s domestic form has shown Chivu can build an attacking side, handle difficult periods and use his squad effectively. The Champions League has brought a different level of pressure, with qualification for the Round of 16missed at a crucial stage last seasonan explicit target set by Oaktree.
A convincing victory over Shakhtar Donetsk would improve Internazionale’s complicated league-stage position and demonstrate that Chivu’s authority in Serie A can be carried into European competition.
Retegui handed opportunity
Lautaro’s absence leaves Marcus Thuram as the senior figure in attack and one place available alongside him. After nine matches waiting for a start, Mateo Retegui is expected to be selected.
Retegui, whom Chivu previously knew at Parma, has been restricted to a marginal role since reuniting with the coach at Internazionale. His record, however, is striking: three goals in eight substitute appearances, across 171 minutes, equating to one every 57 minutes. He scored last Saturday in Emilia and has now found the net twice in his past two games and three times in his past five.
His inclusion would give Internazionale greater pace, movement and counter-attacking threat, although the side would lose some physical strength and hold-up play in central areas.
Calhanoglu remains central
Internazionale’s first half at Bologna again highlighted their dependence on Hakan Calhanoglu for control and structure. In Serie A, he has made five appearances and played 208 minutes, scoring three timesone goal every 69 minutes. In Europe, he has played twice for 125 minutes without a goal or assist, as the team’s overall performance and results have fallen.
Calhanoglu will face Turan, a former team-mate and close friend, with the pair having played together for Turkiye at Euro 2016. Nicolo Barella is expected to start alongside him, while Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are competing for the remaining midfield place, with Mkhitaryan currently enjoying a resurgence.
Andy Diouf is set to return to his natural position on the right after Mkhitaryan’s disappointing showing in Emilia. Federico Dimarco remains the expected choice on the left, although the in-form Carlos Augusto is pushing strongly for his place.
The goalkeeper decision between Josep Martinez and Ivan Provedel will be made at the last moment as Chivu seeks to avoid a costly mistake in a pivotal European match.
