After a crushing 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final and narrowly missing out on the Serie A title by a single point, Inter Milan are determined to turn the page. With the FIFA Club World Cup now underway, the team sees the tournament as a chance for redemption, a fresh beginning under new head coach Cristian Chivu.
For Inter players Lautaro Martinez, Stefan de Vrij, and Alessandro Bastoni, the pain of that loss in Munich still lingers. But with renewed energy and purpose, they’re focused on making their mark in the United States.
“Football always gives you the chance to start over,” said Lautaro Martinez, who remains optimistic despite the setbacks.
“We’re having the best possible preparation for our match against Monterrey. They’re a strong side with a clear identity, but we want to win and bounce back after the Champions League final. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made this season. Even if we didn’t win a trophy, we’ve grown as a team.”
Martinez emphasized the importance of learning from the past while embracing new challenges:
“The Club World Cup is a great opportunity. Like every tournament, we’re going to enjoy it and give everything to take Inter as far as possible.”
Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij echoed the captain’s sentiments, highlighting Monterrey’s quality and the motivation within the squad:
“It’ll be a great match to start the tournament. They have some world-class players, even ones we’ve faced before in Europe. We’re excited, and even though the season didn’t end as we’d hoped, we’ve built confidence. Whether or not we’re favourites doesn’t matter, we’re ready to give it everything.”
A New Era Under Cristian Chivu
The appointment of Cristian Chivu has sparked a new wave of enthusiasm at Inter. The former club legend has brought a fresh perspective, focusing not only on tactics but also on rebuilding the team’s morale.
Defender Alessandro Bastoni praised Chivu’s impact on the squad’s mindset:
“It was tough after the Champions League final, but that’s the beauty of football there’s always another chance. We’ve got new faces, a new coach, and real motivation to attack this competition.”
Bastoni also shared his excitement about facing Monterrey and their star defender:
“Sergio Ramos has always been my idol, so playing against him is special. We know how passionate Mexican fans are. It’s going to be an incredible experience.”
As Inter prepares for their opening match against CF Monterrey, all eyes are on how the team responds to recent disappointments. With strong leadership, a refreshed squad, and a clear sense of purpose, the Club World Cup could be the beginning of a new chapter for the Nerazzurri.
Tobi Sangotola
