Chivu has made clear that Inter’s ambitions extend beyond domestic competition, although the coach also stressed that winning the Champions League cannot be reduced to a simple formula.
“I want to create something that lasts, something that leaves something important on the pages of this wonderful club,” Chivu said. “Winning the Champions League is beautiful, it is everyone’s dream.”
The Inter Milan coach also underlined the difference between Serie A and European football, arguing that Champions League matches demand a different mentality regardless of the stage of the competition.
“There is a big difference between a league match and a Champions League one, it doesn’t matter if it is the group stage or a round of 16.”
Chivu also rejected the idea that money or a particular tactical idea can guarantee European success.
“There is no recipe that gives you the certainty that you can win the Champions League, there is no money that can buy you a Champions League, there aren’t even ideas that can buy it.”
He believes the reality of a European campaign only becomes clear much later in the season, when the remaining contenders can be judged more accurately.
The coach’s comments came as Inter used the break to give Djed Spence his first appearance in the club’s colours. The English full-back started the 2-0 friendly win over Lumezzane and played 50 minutes.
Inter took the lead through Henrikh Mkhitaryan after 14 minutes before Richi Agbonifo added the second in the 62nd minute. Spence played the entire first half, which lasted 35 minutes, and another 15 minutes after the interval before being replaced by Agbonifo.
The appearance was Spence’s first since joining Inter and could precede his competitive debut. The club’s next league match after the international break is against Parma at San Siro on 10 October.
Spence therefore has an opportunity to use the friendly as a first step towards a more significant role, while Chivu’s comments underline the scale of the challenge facing Inter as they pursue success in Europe.