Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu says he agrees with Max Allegri that Napoli are the favourites to win Serie A this season. Speaking ahead of Inter’s league opener against Torino, Chivu reiterated Allegri’s assessment that last season’s champions remain the team to beat, especially given Napoli’s summer spending.
Napoli kicked off the campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over newly promoted Sassuolo, while Roma also collected three points by defeating Bologna. AC Milan, however, suffered a surprise defeat to Cremonese. The rest of the league’s big names started their campaigns this weekend, with Atalanta, Lazio, Juventus and Fiorentina also in action. Inter will host Torino at the San Siro in the final match of the opening weekend.
Chivu, in his first Serie A season as Inter boss, defended the club’s offseason approach. “I agree with Max Allegri,” he said, noting that the team that won the title last season remains the favourite to lift it again. “Napoli, particularly given how much they’ve spent this summer, are the favourites.”
On the preseason, Chivu described the training period as “short but intense,” insisting the squad faced few difficulties and worked hard to be ready for the season’s start. He said Inter are still a work in progress and emphasised the aim to improve both individual and collective performances.
Turning to transfer activity, Chivu stressed a philosophy of quality over quantity. “We’ve identified quality players who haven’t arrived,” he explained, adding that some targets have proven unobtainable because clubs are reluctant to sell. He also noted that Inter have respected other clubs’ decisions to hold onto players. The focus, he said, remains on bringing in players who are ready to contribute immediately, with a clear preference for younger talent that can grow with the club.
Chivu highlighted that Inter’s strategy has been consistent, shaped by a realistic market understanding and a commitment to investing in players who can elevate the squad over the long term. He stressed that the club would welcome players who fit their targeted profile and that integrating newcomers — even younger ones — would be a collaborative process between the players and the team.
As for Torino, Chivu described the Granata as a squad that has invested heavily yet retained a familiar structure, acknowledging the challenges posed by a new coach and a team that will be hungry for a strong result at the San Siro. He conceded there is a question mark around Torino’s trajectory, but expects them to come out ready to compete.
Overall, the interview underscored Napoli’s title chances and Inter’s measured, quality-focused rebuild as the new season unfolds.
Summary: Inter’s coach reaffirmed Napoli as favorites, outlined a targeted, quality-driven transfer approach, and praised his squad’s readiness despite a rigorous start to the season. The weekend’s early results set the tone for a competitive Serie A campaign. Positive note: the emphasis on quality and youth could help Inter develop a cohesive, dynamic side capable of challenging for silverware this season.