Cristian Chivu accepts Inter may not fully merit a Supercoppa Italiana place under the new rules, yet stated that Inter will target the trophy with maximum focus when facing Bologna at Al-Awwal Park on
Friday, as Inter chase a record-equalling ninth title and their first since 2023.
The semi-final puts Serie A runners-up Inter against Coppa Italia winners Bologna in Riyadh, while Napoli and AC Milan contest the other last-four tie on Thursday. The winners from each semi-final will then meet in Sunday’s final, leaving every side two victories from lifting this season’s Supercoppa Italiana.
The competition structure changed two years ago, moving away from the traditional one-off clash between Serie A and Coppa Italia champions. The new mini-tournament includes both winners and runners-up from each competition, bringing Inter, Bologna, Scudetto holders Napoli and Coppa Italia runners-up AC Milan together in Saudi Arabia.
With three straight Supercoppa Italiana wins between 2021 and 2023, Inter now stand one trophy away from joining Juventus as the joint most successful club in the competition’s history with nine titles. Chivu underlined the appeal of this short format by saying: "It's a trophy you can win with two games. This team can still grow.It has the desire and ambition to keep moving along this path,"
Chivu also admitted that Inter have benefited from the expanded structure, explaining: "Maybe we don't deserve to be here, but we're taking advantage of the new format. This mini-tournament is a gift for Milan and us. We're here, so we want to play all the way to the end. " The coach still expects Inter to compete hard through both matches.
This season represents Chivu’s first opportunity to win silverware since replacing Simone Inzaghi in June. However, Chivu stressed that personal glory is not a driving factor. "It doesn't change anything for me. I'm not chasing a reputation. I'd be happy for them [the players]. I'm enjoying our growth," Chivu said, outlining a focus on team progress over individual recognition.
Chivu added further detail on Inter’s aims in this Supercoppa Italiana campaign. "We want to show how good and valuable these players are around Italy and Europe. They deserve a lot for who they are as people. We have the desire and the awareness of what we want and what we can do. " Those comments highlight a squad eager to confirm its level on a wider stage.
As a player, Chivu collected nine major trophies with Inter, including Supercoppa Italiana victories in 2008 and 2010. Those titles arrived under Jose Mourinho and Rafael Benitez, experiences which give Chivu personal knowledge of what winning this competition demands. Inter’s current group now attempt to add another chapter to that Supercoppa Italiana record.
Below is a summary of the four clubs involved in the current Supercoppa Italiana edition and their qualification routes.
Bologna approach this semi-final with strong recent form against Inter in domestic competitions. Bologna have avoided defeat in five of the last six meetings in all tournaments, with three wins and two draws, after previously losing 11 of 16 official games against Inter across earlier years. That shift suggests a far more balanced modern rivalry.
Inter also recall Bologna’s 1-0 victory in the most recent Serie A fixture in April. If Bologna win again in Riyadh, it would mark consecutive wins over Inter in all competitions for the first time since the period between May and November 1999, adding an extra narrative to the Supercoppa Italiana encounter.
The Supercoppa Italiana is new territory for Bologna, who are appearing in the competition for the first time. Historically, debuting teams have struggled; only two of the last eight sides playing their first Supercoppa Italiana match have lifted the trophy, while six fell short. That backdrop frames Bologna’s challenge against Inter’s greater experience.
Chivu expects a demanding match against a Bologna side currently sixth in Serie A, only five points outside the top four. "Bologna aren't a tricky team just for Inter, but for everyone," Chivu stated. Bologna’s consistent league form underlines that view heading into this Supercoppa Italiana tie.
Chivu credited several previous and current Bologna coaches for building a difficult opponent. "They were before with Thiago Motta and with Sinisa [Mihajlovic], and they are still with Italiano. They have energy and for things that put anyone in trouble, we have to match their intensity. " Inter therefore plan to meet Bologna’s tempo from the opening minutes.
In Riyadh, under the rainpic.twitter.com/PzklMrug6qInter(@Inter_en) December 18, 2025
With a place in Sunday’s Supercoppa Italiana final at stake, Inter chase another step towards Juventus’ record, while Bologna aim for a historic first crown. Chivu’s words show respect for Bologna and faith in Inter’s development, as both clubs look to turn the expanded format into a concrete trophy in Riyadh.
