Chivu Brings Unique Edge to Inter Milan, Says Mkhitaryan as Title Push Intensifies

Inter Milan continue their commanding run in Serie A, holding a 10-point lead over AC Milan at the top of the table. With just 12 games remaining, the Nerazzurri are on the cusp of securing the Scudetto under first-year manager Cristian Chivu. Midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan has credited Chivu with injecting a fresh dynamic into the squad that previous coach Simone Inzaghi couldn't provide.

Speaking at Bocconi University, Mkhitaryan reflected on last season's disappointments, where Inter missed out on three trophies despite strong positioning. "Obviously, you can't always have very experienced coaches," he said. "We have Chivu, and he's given us something Inzaghi couldn't give us. As you can see, we're first in the league; it's not over yet, but you can see the great work we've done."

The team bounced back from those setbacks with renewed determination this season. "Last year, we could have won three trophies in two weeks; we missed every opportunity," Mkhitaryan added. "After that disappointment, we found the strength to get up the next day and go to work. This year, we've started differently, recognising the new opportunity and doing everything we can to win something."

Inter's form has been stellar, with 13 wins in their last 14 Serie A matches, scoring an average of 2.6 goals per game. The Opta supercomputer estimates a 95.9% chance of them clinching the title. Despite a recent Champions League exit to Bodo/Glimt (5-2 aggregate), silverware remains within reach via the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como.

Preview: Inter vs. Genoa

Next up for Inter is a home clash against 14th-placed Genoa, who sit three points above the relegation zone. Genoa have been resilient since the new year, losing only twice in nine matches (wins: 3, draws: 4). Under manager Daniele De Rossi, they've scored 26 goals in 16 Serie A games, boasting the league's highest shot conversion rate at 14%.

However, history favors Inter heavily. The Nerazzurri are unbeaten in their last 13 Serie A encounters with Genoa (10 wins, 3 draws), scoring 33 goals and conceding just five. They've won their last 11 home games against Genoa, including nine clean sheets. Genoa's last victory over Inter dates back to February 2018.

Key players to watch include Mkhitaryan, who could score in consecutive league games for Inter for the first time since 2021. Since his 2019-20 debut in Serie A, he's among the elite with at least 35 goals and 35 assists, alongside Berardi, Calhanoglu, and Leao. For Genoa, forward Lorenzo Colombo has netted six goals under De Rossi—matching the period's second-highest tally behind Inter's Lautaro Martinez (11).

Prediction and Stats

Opta predicts a 68.6% chance of an Inter win, with a 18.2% draw probability and 13.3% for Genoa. Inter could reach 67 or more points after 27 games for only the third time in Serie A history, following their 2023-24 (72 points) and 2006-07 (73 points) campaigns. This match represents Genoa's longest current streak of consecutive away defeats in the league.

Mkhitaryan emphasized resilience: "In football, anything is possible; you just have to be ready to put your head down and keep going." With 64 points from 26 games, Inter are poised to extend their lead to 13 points if they triumph, as Milan face Cremonese on Sunday.