Chivu: Inter must be more clinical in front of goal

Cristian Chivu was disappointed with Inter’s finishing following their 1-1 draw against Monterrey in their Club World Cup opener.

The Champions League runners-up could not get the better of the Mexican side at the Rose Bowl, with former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos putting Monterrey ahead before an equaliser from Lautaro Martinez.

Inter were the more dominant team, accumulating 2.7 expected goals from their 15 shots in the game to Monterrey’s 1.1 xG. In fact, the Italian side’s 1.9 xG in the first half was the highest by any team in the opening 45 minutes of this Club World Cup.

Ramos’ goal was Monterrey’s only shot on target in the match. He has now scored in both of his appearances against Inter, also scoring a header from a corner in Madrid’s Champions League clash against them in 2020.

Chivu, overseeing his first game since replacing Simone Inzaghi, was pleased with how Inter created chances in both halves, but wants them to be more clinical in their upcoming matches.

“The first half was positive: even though we fell behind, we caused them problems with our movement and rotations,” said Chivu.

“In the second half, we were a bit slow in possession, though we still created a few chances. What we lacked was a clinical edge in front of goal.

“We were exposed at times in transition, where they were particularly strong. We needed to get the ball forward more quickly and move it faster, but the players gave everything.”

1.9 – @Inter_en ‘s 1.9 expected goals in the first half vs. Monterrey is the highest by any team in the first half of a match at the @FIFACWC . Relentless. pic.twitter.com/Rh89uoVMH1

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 18, 2025

Chivu did not change too much in terms of Inter’s system, sticking with the 3-5-2 shape that Inzaghi often deployed.

However, the new coach is open to making tweaks, including possibly playing Henrikh Mkhitaryan behind a lone forward.

“Mkhitaryan behind the striker? We need to try to keep on developing new solutions and be ready for our upcoming matches,” he said.

“It wasn’t easy facing a low block that then often tried to catch us offside.”

Inter face Urawa Reds in their second Group E game on Saturday at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Japanese team lost 3-1 to River Plate in their opening fixture.

Franco Mastantuono, who will join Madrid after the tournament, made his presence known against Urawa. He contested 19 duels, winning 11 of those.

Only two players – Youcef Belaili of ES Tunis and Botafogo’s Gregore – have recorded more duels in the Club World Cup than the 17-year-old so far.