Chivu impressed with ‘mature’ Inter and wants to keep Frattesi after 2-0 victory

CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

Cristian Chivu is impressed with Inter’s ‘maturity’ after a 2-0 victory away to Cremonese and reiterates Davide Frattesi will not join Nottingham Forest.

The Nerazzurri had the result under lock and key by half-time thanks to a Lautaro Martinez free header on Federico Dimarco’s corner, and Piotr Zielinski’s long-range strike that swerved under the bar.

There was a moment when they were afraid the match would have to be suspended, as a firework was thrown from the Inter fans that struck Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero.

Fortunately, he was only shaken, and could finish the game, albeit with a cut and a burn mark on his leg.

Chivu proud of Inter concentration in Cremona

“I saw maturity in understanding the right moments of the match, and the ways of getting to the victory,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“In terms of dominating the game, we were always in charge, although they didn’t allow us very much. We were a little slow in moving the ball around, because we lacked energy to attack their deep defensive lines, but then we went in front before half-time.

“It was a little more relaxed after the break, as obviously some fatigue set in, but the important thing was to win and we did it.”

Davide Frattesi was given a rare start in midfield, as Nicolò Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Augusto were out of action.

There had been reports Frattesi was close to joining Nottingham Forest, but President Beppe Marotta assured he has not asked to leave Inter.

“Frattesi is an Inter player and for me he is an important figure in the squad,” added Chivu.

“He has to prove it on the field and in training, because we trust his qualities. We need him in great shape for the final months of the season, so that he can give us that something extra that at times we are missing in some games.”

Inter solidify their status as Serie A leaders, opening up an eight-point lead waiting for second-placed Milan to play against Bologna on Tuesday evening.

Antonio Conte and Luciano Spalletti have been complaining that there are too many games in modern football, so what is Chivu’s take on the situation?

“The decisions I made in the past to rotate reflect what you said. I allowed rest days before big matches and was criticised in the media for that.

“There are many games, it increases the risk of injury, but when we are in that many tournaments, it is a risk we have to accept.

“I do not complain, but what I will say is that I can’t wait for the transfer window to close,” concluded Chivu.