Inter Milan Vs Venezia – Cristian Chivu Demands Focus: “Tonight Is The Most Important Match”

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu addressed the press ahead of tonight’s Coppa Italia showdown against Venezia.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old asked his players to stay focused.

Cristian Chivu will make his touchline debut in the Coppa Italia tonight.

Moreover, the Nerazzurri enter this clash as favorites to reach the Round of 16.

As the only not-top-flight side left in the competition, Venezia must defy the odds to progress beyond this stage.

However, it’s worth noting that Inter have won all five home matches against this opposition since 1999.

Furthermore, they scored at least two goals in four of those five wins, except for a narrow 1-0 triumph last season.

Meanwhile, Inter bounced back from a rough patch with a 2-0 victory over Pisa on Sunday.

Indeed, Lautaro Martinez returned to the scoresheet with a match-winning brace.

Yet, the Argentine superstar starts on the bench tonight, with Francesco Pio Esposito set to take his place in the final third.

Cristian Chivu Warns Inter Milan Against Complacency Ahead of Venezia Clash

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We take it one match at a time,” Chivu said before the match. “The most important match is tonight, then we’ll think about Saturday and the Champions League.”

Additionally, he explained his decision to play Andy Diouf and Luis Henrique out of position.

“Because I need to show faith in them,” Chivu added. “They deserve it, and I have to test things.

“In some situations, they’ve shown me they can do better on their opposite foot.

“Since they are Inter players, they must be able to adapt to different scenarios.”

Finally, he delivered his verdict on the new attacking partnership between Esposito and Thuram.

“I think they’re the right pair for tonight’s match.”

Lautaro starts on the bench as he desperately needs rest after ahead of several high-profile fixtures in the Champions League and Serie A.