Cristian Chivu believes Inter Milan can overturn a two-goal deficit against Bodo/Glimt and secure a place in the Champions League Round of 16.
During today’s press conference via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old outlined Inter’s ambition to turn this knockout playoff tie on its head.
Unable to adapt to the synthetic pitch, Inter suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the Aspmyra Stadion last week.
In doing so, Bodo/Glimt became the first Norwegian side to beat Italian opposition in UEFA competition since 1996.
However, the Norwegian champions have lost five of their six previous away matches against Serie A teams.
As a result, the San Siro giants can approach this clash with plenty of confidence.
Moreover, they have prevailed in seven of their last eight matches across all competitions, including three consecutive victories on home soil.
Meanwhile, Cristian Chivu is confident his side has what it takes to progress.
Curiously, Inter could win a Champions League knockout game by 3+ goals for the first time in club history.
Cristian Chivu Confident Inter Milan Can Overturn Deficit vs Bodo/Glimt
MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu gesturesduring the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Asked what Inter learned from the first leg in Bodo, Chivu replied: “What we already knew beforehand – that it wouldn’t be easy, partly because of the pitch and the weather.
“We had to adapt better to the match conditions. We only managed to do that in spells. But we knew the strength of this team.
“What they did in the group stage wasn’t a coincidence. They drew in Dortmund and beat City and Atletico in Madrid.
“We weren’t up to the task at certain moments, and we hope that doesn’t happen again tomorrow.”
Then, Chivu confirmed that the absence of Lautaro Martinez won’t faze Inter.
“We have many leaders,” he added. “Whoever steps onto the pitch feels responsible. Everyone has done well, they feel involved and confident, and they know their contribution is crucial.
“I hold on to our hunger, our work, our humility, and our growth. I hope we can continue building on these foundations.
“These players have belief. They’ve shown it for three months, even through ups and downs that haven’t taken away their confidence, self-esteem or work ethic in order to stay competitive.
“It’s not about one match or one lost battle. It’s about being there blow for blow, always giving your maximum and being the best version of ourselves.
“We have a duty, not an obligation, to win. We must step onto the pitch with confidence, knowing that if there’s one team capable of overturning this result, it’s ours.
“However, we are aware it won’t be easy.
“It could last 120 minutes or go to penalties. We must be ready from the start, without the desperation to score immediately. We have to manage the key moments well and rely on the strength this group continues to show.”
Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Hails Bodo/Glimt
“We mustn’t overturn our game plan,” Chivu claimed. “Of course, we need to recover the result, but we can’t afford to lose balance, confidence or self-belief.
“We might concede a goal, but that wouldn’t change anything. Football is unpredictable. You need maturity to handle certain situations – give everything you have, understand the key moments, be clinical, show personality, and be organized.
“In a football match, you need all those ingredients.”
Furthermore, he insists a potential elimination wouldn’t be embarrassing for Inter despite Bodo/Glimt’s stature.
“There’s no such thing as embarrassment in football. There’s the work of a club and a team,” he insisted. “You have to accept and respect your opponent.
“Since you don’t respect us by suggesting we should feel ashamed, know that we have great respect for Bodo. They’ve done well against top teams.
“We respect our opponents and congratulate them on their project. But we don’t feel shame. In the first leg, we tried to be the best version of ourselves. They were better, and we congratulated them.”
Additionally, Chivu underlined his belief in his squad.
“A team that has built its season on consistency, that scores more than two goals per game, that has won big matches by scoring a lot, that leads in many areas – can’t prepare differently. I don’t need to demand more.
“We corrected the mistakes from the first leg, but the context was unusual – a pitch we weren’t used to, fear of getting injured. You always prepare a match from the start in the same way: with courage, awareness, and clarity.”
Inter Milan Coach Cristian Chivu Insists Dominant Serie A Run Hasn’t Filled His Team with Complacency
GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter celebrates after the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“No,” he was adamant. “We know we lost the first leg 3-1, and the league has nothing to do with this. If we want a chance to go through, we must be the best version of ourselves without thinking about anything else.”
Moreover, he confirmed he rarely listened to his coaches during his playing career.
“I didn’t listen to the coach much. Indeed, I relied on my own thoughts, my sense of responsibility, confidence, and self-belief.
“I worried more about being up to the task so I wouldn’t let my teammates down. I’ve always been like that. Maybe if I had listened more, I would’ve had a bigger career.
“I was stubborn and always thought about my teammates and being worthy of them. There’s no need for extra motivation. The players know how important this is.
“They know that if there’s one team that can overturn this result, it’s us – without disrespecting anyone. Bodo are organized and play with intensity and determination.
“We must match that and add something extra.”
Finally, he confirmed that what happened to Alessandro Bastoni last week had nothing to do with Inter’s lump in Norway.
“No. We had a calm week after Juventus. I’m proud of what the players did in Lecce. It wasn’t easy to play in those mental and physical conditions. We got a good result on Saturday, and now we’re fully focused on tomorrow.”