Welcome to SPORTS ZA!
Username: [user]

'Humility is the keyword for Inter' – Chivu not getting ahead of himself in Serie A title push

00h59 CET

01/02/2026

Cristian Chivu claimed humility is key for Inter going forward as they aim to continue their dominance at the top of Serie A when they travel to Cremonese on Sunday.

Inter have a five-point lead over rivals AC Milan at the top of the table heading into their match against Cremonese, after a run of three wins in the top-flight.

They won 6-2 against Pisa in their last league game and followed that up with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, though they missed out on automatic qualification for the last 16 by one point.

It was Inter's first win in Europe since November, which marks the same month as the last defeat they suffered in the league, but Chivu says his side are not getting ahead of themselves despite their recent form.

"The credit goes to these lads," Chivu said.

"I think humility is the keyword for everything in this locker room, as 25 players do everything to be protagonists, because they know that they all have the opportunity to show themselves and contribute to this team.

"I want to single out the performances of Yann Sommer, Luis Henrique and also Andy Diouf [against Dortmund]. Diouf had the patience to wait, realise how difficult it is to wear this jersey, the expectations that come with Inter, and he had the right spirit. I am glad he scored.

"The whole team has reached a level of maturity where hard work and humility are decisive, no matter who we are up against. We can win or lose, but we must never lose our mentality."

Cremonese, meanwhile, sit down in 13th, and are six points clear of the relegation zone.

They have not won in Serie A since a 2-0 victory over Lecce on December 7, picking up just three points since then (D3 L5). They have failed to score in seven of those matches.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cremonese – Federico Bonazzoli

Federico Bonazzoli's first five Serie A appearances came for Inter between May 2014 and May 2015, all from the bench and without any goal involvement.

Of the 26-year-old's five goals in the Serie A this season, only one has been scored at the Stadio Giovanni Zini – the most recent, a penalty against Lecce on December 7.

Inter – Federico Dimarco

Federico Dimarco has already set a new personal best for goal involvements in a single Serie A season (12, five goals, seven assists) in 20 appearances in 2025-26.

Overall, only two Inter defenders have been involved in more goals in a single Serie A campaign since data became available (2004-05): Achraf Hakimi in 2020-21 (15) and Maicon in 2009-10 (17).

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER WIN

Cremonese are the side that Inter have the highest winning percentage against in Serie A (82% – 14 victories in 17 meetings), among teams they have faced at least 10 times.

Cremonese have earned just one win against Inter (D2), a 2-0 victory in May 1992 at San Siro.

After drawing their first Serie A away match against Cremonese (0-0 on 30 March 1930), Inter have won all seven subsequent games at the Stadio Giovanni Zini against them in the competition.

Inter have won the joint-most games (17, level with Barcelona) in Europe's top five leagues this season; the Nerazzurri also boast the third-best attack within these competitions in 2025-26 with 50 goals scored, behind only Bayern Munich (72) and Barcelona (57).

Chivu's side have a perfect record against sides currently in the bottom half of the Serie A table this season, winning all 11 matches, scoring 31 goals and conceding just six.

Over the last eight Serie A matchdays, Cremonese have gained the fewest points (three – D3 L5), scored the fewest goals (two), and recorded the most games without scoring (seven).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Cremonese – 12.1%

Draw – 17.8%

Inter – 70.1%

eyJpZCI6IlBHLTEweXVsd3p3ZjB0a2oxY2h2azdwcnh3bnJlIiwiY29uX2lkIjoiUEctMTB5dWx3endmMHRrajFjaHZrN3ByeHducmUiLCJhY19pZCI6IjM2Mzc5OTciLCJmcmVlX2NvbnRlbnQiOiIiLCJwYWdfbWFpbl9mcmVlIjoiMCIsImFwaV9wcm92X2lkIjoiUEVSRk9STUdST1VQIiwicHJvdl9pZCI6IlBFUkZPUk1HUk9VUCIsInR5cGUiOiJuZXdzIiwidGl0bGUiOiInSHVtaWxpdHkgaXMgdGhlIGtleXdvcmQgZm9yIEludGVyJyBcdTIwMTMgQ2hpdnUgbm90IGdldHRpbmcgYWhlYWQgb2YgaGltc2VsZiBpbiBTZXJpZSBBIHRpdGxlIHB1c2giLCJwYWdfaWQiOiI0NzQyNyIsInBhZ19ibG9ja2VkX2NvbnRlbnQiOiIwIn0=

[X]

We use first-party and third-party cookies to improve usability, personalise content and statistically analyse your browsing. You can change the settings or consult our cookies policy .
Your cookie settings
Accept cookies
Reject cookies
Save settings