Inter Milan's Momentum Reaches a Turning Point

MILAN, SATURDAY — The most important factor emphasized by Cristian Chivu when Inter Milan defeated Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 in the first match of the league phase of the Champions League is the maturity of the Nerazzurri squad. Marcus Thuram and his teammates were able to remain calm in high-pressure situations following two defeats in Serie A Italy, 1-2 against Udinese, and 3-4 against Juventus.

Now, Inter is seeking a turning point, replicating their performance at Johan Cruyff Arena in the match against Sassuolo at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, on Sunday Milan time, or Monday (22/9/2025) starting at 1:45 AM WIB.

"We played with maturity, determination, and identity, and we won; that is what matters most," said Chivu after the match against Ajax.

That victory is very crucial, as Inter has just suffered two defeats in the Italian League, when hosting Udinese and away at Juventus' home ground. The Nerazzurri have come under scrutiny, ranging from Chivu's less than smooth game formation to the performance of goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who is considered to make mistakes too easily.

Amidst the increasing criticism, the Nerazzurri squad responded with a solid performance in Amsterdam, featuring two goals from Marcus Thuram, both assisted by Hakan Calhanoglu. Additionally, Sommer, who was initially set to be rested and replaced by Josep Martinez, delivered a strong performance, particularly when he deflected a shot from Mika Godts with his left foot, preventing the ball from shaking the Inter net.

It was a crucial save, as had Godts scored, Inter would have been trailing 0-1 and the final result could have turned 180 degrees.

"If that had gone in, it would have been 1-0 in their favor and we were playing away, which is not easy. That was an important save for Yann and he really helped us in that situation," said Inter defender Manuel Akanji.

For Sommer, the rescue at Ajax is an answer to Chivu's trust in him, despite some Nerazzurri supporters beginning to scapegoat the Swiss goalkeeper for two defeats in Serie A. Chivu believes that Inter's losses are a collective burden and cannot be entirely placed on Sommer.

"I don't think it's right to blame Yann Sommer and place the blame on him. Yann is an important player for us, he performed very well last year. I won't replace him just because the fans want me to," Chivu stated firmly, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

However, in the match against Sassuolo, there is an opportunity for Chivu to rest Sommer and field Josep Martinez in goal. The Spanish goalkeeper performed well in the Coppa Italia match and could be tested in the Serie A game. Resting Sommer after his solid contribution at Ajax's home ground will not disturb the internal atmosphere of the team.

The change in the goalkeeper's position is also a step by Chivu to address the main issue of Inter, which is the ease of conceding goals towards the end of matches, as seen with the two goals from Juventus. Additionally, he needs to improve the defense line, which often makes mistakes in anticipating the movements of the opponents.

“We need to realize, our problems have not gone away,” Chivu stressed.

"As I said, sometimes when something does not meet your expectations in a few matches, you can immediately bounce back in the next game," Chivu continued.

A key factor that could lead Inter to rise is maturity in facing difficult situations, allowing them to maintain a positive atmosphere within the team. They have already demonstrated this at Ajax's home ground, and now they need to show it again at Giuseppe Meazza when hosting Sassuolo.

In the fourth match of the Italian League, team captain Lautaro Martinez has been confirmed by Chivu to be able to return to play after a back injury. He has resumed training, and his condition is ready to lead the attack alongside Thuram, with the potential for Pio Esposito to also be deployed. The 20-year-old striker performed well in the match against Ajax as Thuram's partner.

"Lautaro has trained and made himself available to play, just as he did on Wednesday in the Netherlands. A captain must do that, understand difficult conditions, and Lautaro never backs down. In fact, on Wednesday he could not even walk, but he made himself able to play, and I am confident that if I need him, he will be willing to play," said Chivu at the press conference ahead of the match against Sassuolo.

"He has undergone therapy in the last few days and he is now ready to play," Chivu confirmed.

The Romanian coach also opened the opportunity to play Esposito, who showcased his class in his Champions League debut earlier this week. The young player formed a harmonious partnership with Thuram, while Lautaro Martinez was rested due to a back injury.

"He is a talented player and very eager to play. He knows his position, and I am pleased with the way he presents himself every day in training. His teammates are doing the same, and I am happy to have these players on my roster. Pio has earned his place without me having to say anything in the decision. He has shown that to everyone, including his teammates who care for him deeply," emphasized Chivu.

This complete selection of front-line players allows Chivu the freedom to craft a game formation to secure three points. Inter desperately needs a victory, as their position in the Italian League standings is far below, sitting in 11th place with three points. They need to bounce back quickly to avoid falling further behind Napoli, which is perched at the top of the standings with nine points, equal to Juventus in second place.

Although Inter is in a positive momentum after winning at Ajax's home ground, consistency has yet to be demonstrated by Inter. Therefore, Thuram reminds his teammates to always give their best, as they are Internazionale Milan. In the match at Giuseppe Meazza against Sassuolo, the supporters will inspire Thuram and his colleagues to achieve victory.

"We have not been fortunate in the last two matches, but we know who we are, what we are capable of, and we demonstrated that tonight," said Thuram after the match against Ajax.

The French striker believes that Inter's performance at home against Juventus and Ajax was also very solid. However, in the match against Ajax, they made improvements in defense, resulting in a sharpness in the front line, complemented by a clean sheet. This solid foundation needs to be maintained and can even be further enhanced.

"Yes, just like what we showed against Juve and today. We have a strong foundation, but you can always improve on that, and each of us can become better. We will strive to do that on Sunday (against Sassuolo)," asserted Thuram.

Sassuolo, represented by Indonesian defender Jay Idzes, is not an easy opponent for Inter. In their 22 encounters in Serie A, they are tied with each team winning 10 times and 2 matches ending in a draw. In fact, in their most recent meeting on May 4, 2024, Inter lost 0-1.

Sassuolo always displays resilience and tenacity, especially when facing major clubs. The squad coached by Fabio Grosso is also on a good momentum after winning against Lazio in their third Serie A match. They are very quick in counter-attack transitions, which demands concentration from Inter's defensive players.