Cristian Chivu emphasized that “the results are secondary to the work we’re doing” following Inter’s 1-1 draw with Milan, amid worries regarding a Yann Bisseck injury.
The Nerazzurri dominated the first half in Perth, taking the lead with a well-executed play finished by Federico Dimarco.
However, a dubious penalty awarded for contact between Carlos Augusto and Christopher Nkunku allowed Milan to level the match, ending the summer friendly with a 1-1 scoreline.
Chivu’s Focus on Inter’s Fitness
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MAY 23: Cristian Chivu, head coach of FC Internazionale, during the Serie A match against Bologna FC 1909 at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 23, 2026, in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“I’ve noticed improvements, and the team is putting in a lot of effort. Right now, results take a back seat to the work we are doing,” Chivu remarked during an interview with Inter TV.
“It was beneficial for some players to get valuable minutes on the pitch, and we were satisfied with the quality of our performance, especially given that we currently lack some sharpness.”
Inter’s last friendly match with Manchester City also ended in a 1-1 draw, with victory achieved in a penalty shootout.
HONG KONG, CHINA – AUGUST 1: Head coach Enzo Maresca of Manchester City (R) and Team head coach Cristian Chivu (L) engage in post-match discussion after the Manchester City vs. Inter Milan pre-season friendly at Kai Tak Stadium on August 1, 2026, in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
“In the early moments, we had some difficulties properly occupying spaces, committing a few errors when playing from the back, and reacting hastily in certain situations. Milan also posed challenges with their pressing,” Chivu added.
“As the match progressed, we improved, began to find ways to break their press, and overall I felt we performed quite well. Our primary focus now is on enhancing the players’ fitness levels while respecting tactical principles and integrating additional elements into the team’s established play from recent years.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Yann Bisseck of FC Internazionale reacts after suffering a head injury during a header contest in the pre-season match against AC Milan at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)
Concerns arose during stoppage time when Bisseck faced a serious blow to the back of his head in a collision with Milan defender Pervis Estupinan. The German international struggled to stand, aided by two medical staff, and was substituted off the field.
Bisseck also did not engage in post-match media responsibilities.