Cristian Chivu insists Inter remain serious contenders against Arsenal in the Champions League league phase. Inter sit six points behind Mikel Arteta's side, yet Chivu believes the tie stays open despite Arsenal's strong European campaign.
Arsenal lead the Champions League standings with a perfect record, while Inter occupy sixth place before their penultimate game. Opta's supercomputer gives Arsenal a 26% chance of winning the trophy, compared with Inter's 4% probability of lifting the title.
Arsenal have also been very solid defensively in Europe, conceding only one goal so far. Inter still hold a 9% chance of reaching a second straight final, after losing 5-0 to Paris Saint-Germain last season. The current numbers underline why many see Arsenal as favourites.
Chivu acknowledged the scale of the challenge when speaking to Sky Sports Italia. "We face a strong side, one of the best in Europe, not just now, but also in recent years," Chivu told Sky Sports Italia. "They have spent money, they have consistency and an identity, and they have players who can cause trouble for us. They've dominated in the Premier League in recent years, they nearly won the title, and now they are the table leaders and are having an important season. "
Inter opened this Champions League campaign with four straight wins, before defeats against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool halted that momentum. Despite that setback, Inter's earlier results keep qualification hopes alive, and Chivu stresses that Inter still approach Arsenal with belief.
Inter's recent history against Arsenal in this competition is positive. Inter have won two of the last three Champions League meetings with Arsenal, losing once. That run includes a 1-0 victory over Arteta's team in the league phase in November 2024.
Home form against English opposition is less encouraging for Inter. The Nerazzurri have lost two of their last three Champions League home matches against English clubs, both against Liverpool in 2022 and 2025. Those two defeats match Inter's total losses from their first 10 home games versus English teams.
Arsenal's current campaign highlights the scale of Inter's task. Arteta's side hold a +16 goal difference in the Champions League, winning by an aggregate score of 17-1. Arsenal have also recorded five clean sheets, showing control in both attack and defence.
Chivu underlined Inter's mindset heading into the match. "We are aware of the challenge posed by the Champions League and the English clubs. That doesn't mean we're losing; we'll try to play our game, we'll do our best to understand the moments of the match, what our opponents throw at us and what they put us through. We know how to face these types of teams, and we'll try to be the best version of ourselves. "
Chivu also analysed Arteta's work at Arsenal and the value of learning from rivals. "There is always something to learn from the other coaches. A football enthusiast tries to understand the reasons why and takes what he believes is right to use in his own team. He shows that he's strong and capable in a team that has ambition and tradition and wants to finish the year as a winner. "
For Inter, the meeting with Arsenal offers a chance to respond after recent setbacks and test themselves against one of Europe's form teams. The numbers favour Arsenal, yet Inter's previous results against English sides and Chivu's confidence suggest a contest that still carries competitive balance.
