Inter Milan 'turn it on' against Cagliari in dominant win

Speaking after the win at San Siro, Chivu kept his message clear and grounded. "We are happy," he said. "But I want to only think about the pitch."

Inter had to work hard early on. Despite creating chances through Marcus Thuram and Federico Dimarco, they were frustrated by a disciplined Cagliari defence. Michel Adopo produced a crucial block, while goalkeeper Elia Caprile denied Francesco Pio Esposito late in the first half.

Chivu admitted his side lacked tempo before the break. "We were slow in our ball circulation," he explained. "They occupied the pitch very well."

The response after half-time, however, was decisive.

"In the second half we stretched them, brought the strikers closer and raised the intensity," Chivu said. "When you open the match, the pressure goes and the team starts to enjoy itself."

The breakthrough arrived in the 52nd minute when Thuram finished calmly from Dimarco's precise delivery, marking his 11th league goal of the season. Just four minutes later, Nicolo Barella struck powerfully to double the lead and take full control of the contest.

With Cagliari fading, Piotr Zielinski added a late third to seal a dominant performance.

Afterwards, Chivu offered a lighter reflection on his squad. "They are a 'one-hand generation'," he joked. "One hand always on the phone, the other doing everything else." He quickly turned serious, adding: "There is awareness of the work done and what we are building."

The result moved Inter 12 points clear at the top of Serie A and closer to the title, while also securing their place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Attention now shifts to the Coppa Italia, where Inter face Como in the semi-final second leg. Chivu's message remains unchanged: stay focused, stay competitive, and finish the job.