Cristian Chivu hails Inter Milan's control as Nerazzurri claim 6th straight Serie A victory in Parma

Goals from Federico Dimarco and Marcus Thuram kept Inter top of the table on 42 points, with 40 goals scored in 18 league matches and a seventh away win of the campaign.

"It is never easy in Serie A," Chivu said after the match. "You always have to prove yourself because every opponent can put you in difficulty. With the weather conditions and a team defending with a low block, it becomes even harder. What mattered was the victory and the exceptional attitude of the lads."

Inter arrived in Parma as the form team in Italy and showed that from the opening minutes. Yann Aurel Bisseck forced a fine save early on, while Lautaro Martinez headed just over from a Dimarco cross. The pressure kept building, with Pio Esposito striking the crossbar as Parma struggled to clear their lines.

The breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute. Dimarco started and finished the move, meeting Esposito's clever lay-off before guiding a composed finish in at the near post after a lengthy VAR check confirmed the goal.

"We tried to be dominant and patient," Chivu explained. "Against ten players behind the ball, you need quality, attention and the right mentality. Statistics are nice, but what really counts is what you bring onto the pitch."

Foggy conditions at the Ennio Tardini Stadium did little to change the pattern after the break. Parma defended deep, while Inter continued to probe without taking unnecessary risks. Henrikh Mkhitaryan released Petar Sucic, but the midfielder dragged his effort wide, and Inter remained focused on control rather than forcing the game.

Chivu also praised his defenders, highlighting the squad's depth. "Akanji, Bisseck, Acerbi, Carlos - they were all important. Handling counters and pace is never simple, but they did it well."

Parma thought they had conceded a late third when Ange-Yoan Bonny fired in during stoppage time, but VAR ruled it out for handball. Moments later, Thuram settled the contest, finishing calmly to seal all three points and extend Inter's lead at the top to four points ahead of AC Milan's next match.

Looking ahead, Chivu added: "Every match and every point is important. The season is not finished yet, and big games like Napoli are still to come. Growth and maturity come from these ninety minutes."

Parma remain five points above the relegation zone, but the night belonged to Inter, who once again showed why they set the pace in Serie A.

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