Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu mentioned he’s assured his Italy players will rapidly get better after their nation’s stunning defeat of their World Cup playoff ultimate towards Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Five Inter players — Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Pio Esposito, Federico Dimarco, Nicolò Barella and Davide Frattesi — featured midweek when Italy misplaced on penalties.
Four-time champions Italy have did not qualify for the finals for the third successive event, whereas Bastoni was despatched off and Esposito was certainly one of two players to overlook their spot kicks within the shootout.
Chivu, whose Serie A leaders will bid to halt a 3-recreation winless league run towards Roma at San Siro on Sunday, advised reporters: “There are lots of fans who support all of the players.
“I’ve champions in my squad. They have nice human qualities and have the power to bounce back.
“They have had setbacks, but they have always bounced back. They know this is the nature of the beast. At times you do not reach your goals.
“The key’s to bounce back, to indicate character. We have the love of the followers. They know upsets are a part of the sport.
“I’m not worried though. Since I’ve been in charge I’ve seen great things. I coach great men. I coach players with values.
“We are league leaders, we’re aggressive and according to our objectives.”
Serie A’s main scorer Lautaro Martínez is predicted to offer Chivu with a lift by returning to motion after a prolonged harm layoff.
– Gennaro Gattuso steps down as Italy boss after World Cup failure
– Will Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma ever play at a World Cup? ‘I cried because of sadness’
– Italy WC woe branded a ‘third apocalypse’ by national papers
The Argentina striker, who has scored 14 Serie A goals this season, has missed the last seven matches due to a calf injury.
Chivu said: “On a single degree, everybody is vital. Lautaro is certainly one of them and so are others, like Luis Henrique, Andy Diouf. We have everybody able to play their half.
“We know Roma and what they offer. Their coach has left his mark. He is doing very well. It is a huge game. There are eight games to go and the next one is the most important one.
“We want depth. We should be prepared. It isn’t straightforward to face [Roma head coach Gian Piero] Gasperini. We want character on Sunday. We comprehend it will be difficult.”
Despite taking only two points from their last three matches, Inter have a six-point advantage over closest rivals AC Milan at the top of the table and are unbeaten at home since late November.
Roma’s Champions League challenge has faded after winning only three of their last nine in Serie A and they currently sit sixth, eight points behind third-placed Napoli.
