Inter Milan’s preparations for their first home match of the 2025/26 Champions League season have reached a fever pitch, with anticipation building across the blue-and-black faithful. The Nerazzurri are set to welcome Slavia Prague to the San Siro on Tuesday night, aiming to extend their impressive run of form under new head coach Cristian Chivu. With kick-off scheduled for 21:00 CEST on September 30, all eyes are on whether Inter can notch a fourth consecutive victory and solidify their ambitions on the continental stage.
The mood in the Inter camp is buoyant following a convincing 2-0 win away to Cagliari in Serie A just days ago. Goals from Lautaro Martinez and the promising youngster Pio Esposito sealed the deal for Chivu’s side, marking their third straight win and providing a timely confidence boost ahead of the European showdown. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the 36-year-old Armenian midfield maestro, played a crucial role in that victory and later shared his perspective on the team’s progress and his own enduring career.
“Few things have changed, obviously the coach is asking for different things than Inzaghi and we are doing our best to follow his instructions. It takes a bit of time, but step by step we move forward,” Mkhitaryan explained to Sky Sport, as reported by FCInterNews. The experienced midfielder was candid about the evolving tactical demands under Chivu and the necessity for the squad to adapt quickly. “We have a big squad, everyone is ready to help each other and this is our strength. The season will be long, with the Champions League too, and everyone must give their best.”
Mkhitaryan’s own longevity has become a talking point among fans and pundits alike. At 36, he continues to defy expectations, crediting his sustained performance to years of preparation and a rigorous fitness regime. “This is not something you start at 33 or 34, but before 30, to manage yourself better. I started earlier, did more work in the gym, and now at 36 I still have a condition I want to improve further to stay at the top and help the team.” His commitment and professionalism have made him a linchpin in Chivu’s plans, especially as the club juggles domestic and European commitments.
As the Champions League clash looms, Inter’s lineup is expected to see notable changes. Reports from Corriere dello Sport via FCInter1908 indicate that Chivu is planning to overhaul his starting eleven for the visit of Slavia Prague. The most eye-catching switch could come in goal, where Yann Sommer is tipped to reclaim his spot between the posts. Despite being replaced by Josep Martinez as the number one in Serie A, Sommer’s wealth of continental experience may give him the edge for this crucial group stage fixture.
Sommer, also 36, has endured a rocky start to the season, with his performance against Juventus coming under particular scrutiny. Yet, Chivu appears to value the Swiss keeper’s composure on the European stage. Alongside Sommer, veteran center-back Francesco Acerbi is expected to anchor the defense. Acerbi, who will turn 38 in February, remains a reliable presence at the back and is likely to step in for Stefan de Vrij. The blend of experience and youth has become a hallmark of Chivu’s approach as he seeks to balance the demands of a grueling campaign.
The sense of renewal and ambition was palpable during the pre-match press conference at Inter’s BPER Training Centre in Appiano Gentile. Federico Dimarco, the dynamic left-back, joined Chivu in addressing the media, offering insights into the squad’s mindset and aspirations. “We’re coming into it well. We’ve won our last three matches, and tomorrow we’ll be looking to make it four in a row. With the coach’s help, I’m working to regain confidence and improve my fitness through training and matches,” Dimarco stated, reflecting a mood of cautious optimism.
Dimarco also touched on the team’s objectives in Europe, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present rather than resting on past laurels. “After winning the Scudetto, we said ‘that’s in the past, let’s focus on the present’. The same applies this year: we started with a great win against Ajax, and we want to keep it up.” That opening Champions League victory has set the tone for Inter’s campaign, but the defender was quick to note that the squad cannot afford any complacency.
“We played a great game - playing in Cagliari is never easy. We need to build on the good things we did there, as well as in other matches, like against Juventus. We’re working well and need to keep it up,” Dimarco said, highlighting the team’s growing confidence. Yet, he also acknowledged that his own performances have fluctuated, admitting, “I’ve realised that I haven’t performed at the same level as in my first three and a half years with Inter, but that can happen. I’ve always tried to improve, and now I’m getting back to my best with the help of the coach and my teammates.”
One of the key themes under Chivu’s stewardship has been the integration of promising young players alongside seasoned veterans. Dimarco praised the new arrivals, saying, “The new lads are all settling in well. They’re young and talented, and over the course of the year they’ll give us a big hand. They’re great guys, too, because they always support whoever’s playing and the team as a whole. We’re at a good level, but there’s always room to improve and we have to keep improving.”
On the tactical front, Dimarco noted a subtle shift in Inter’s approach. “This year, we’re looking to play in a much more direct way, but we’re not losing the foundations we’ve built over the past few years.” The defender also pointed out the unique challenges posed by Champions League opposition, warning, “We mustn’t underestimate our opponents. Every Champions League match is difficult, and Slavia Praha are a strong side who have dominated their domestic league for years. They match you up all over the pitch, and we’ll need to be smart in playing out of their press so we can hurt them.”
As the countdown to kick-off continues, Inter Milan finds itself at a crossroads of tradition and transformation. With Chivu’s tactical tweaks, the blend of youth and experience, and a core of battle-hardened veterans determined to leave their mark, the Nerazzurri are poised for another memorable night at the San Siro. The action is about to unfold, and with the stakes as high as ever, fans can expect a fiercely contested encounter as Inter seeks to make its mark in Europe once again.
