Chivu explains Inter decisions against Venezia: ‘Must not under-estimate anyone’

Chivu explains Inter decisions against Venezia: ‘Must not under-estimate anyone’ Cristian Chivu explains his choices for the Inter XI against Venezia, including the first Aleksandar Stankovic start and no Marcus Thuram rest. ‘We must not under-estimate anyone.’ It kicks off at the Stadio Penzo in Venice at 17.30 GMT (18.30 CET). You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog. There are several changes to the Nerazzurri line-up, but it is above all the full debut in the Inter jersey of Aleksandar Stankovic, who is up against his brother Filip in the Venezia goal. Chivu faith in Inter players BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 17: Cristian Chivu, Manager of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on before the Serie A match between Bologna FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on October 17, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images) “He is an Inter player, we chose him for his growth and all he’s done since stepping up to the senior side, he played in the Champions League with Club Brugge. We are very happy to have him with us,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia. Venezia have turned a corner under new coach Davide Nicola following the sacking of Giovanni Stroppa, as they beat Napoli 1-0 on his debut, then suffered a 1-0 loss away to Genoa. “They are more organised and focused under the new coach, they are dangerous in transitions and on the second balls. They do everything to stay in the top flight, understand their limitations and are doing everything to have a season worthy of this wonderful city,” continued Chivu. “They beat Napoli here only a couple of weeks ago, so they have ambition and are not to be under-estimated.” MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 08: Cristian Chivu, Manager of Internazionale, looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Real Madrid C.F. and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on September 08, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) There are some very big games coming up for Inter, as they have the Derby della Madonnina with rivals Milan on Saturday, then Feyenoord in the Champions League followed by potential Scudetto challengers Como. Despite that, and the injury crisis ruling out Lautaro Martinez, Benjamin Pavard, Curtis Jones, John Stones and Luis Henrique, there is still no rest for Thuram. MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 25, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “Those who are in good shape will play,” shrugged Chivu. “We’ve got to maintain a balance and keep the momentum going. We must not under-estimate any match, our focus is always on tonight, and we will have time to think about the derby after this game.” There are reports that Francesco Pio Esposito was not at 100 per cent, otherwise Thuram would’ve been allowed some time off this evening.