By
SABC Sport
24th February 2026
Inter were beaten in Norway last week and now must win by at least two goals to force extra time and keep their European campaign alive. The pressure is clear, but Chivu insisted his players must focus on performance rather than fear.
"We don't have any obligations, only a duty," Chivu told reporters on the eve of the match. "All we need to do is go out on the pitch and do what we know we can do.
"We have to go out there knowing that if there's a team to turn this around, it's us. We can't lose faith in ourselves or our self-confidence."
Inter will be without captain Lautaro Martinez, a major blow given his influence in big European matches. There was also uncertainty surrounding Hakan Calhanoglu, who has struggled with muscular problems in recent weeks. His availability could prove decisive in midfield.
Chivu made it clear that only a complete performance would be enough.
"If we want to have any chance of qualifying from the play-offs, we need to be the best version of ourselves," he said.
Bodo-Glimt arrive in Milan full of confidence after an impressive Champions League debut campaign. The Norwegian side reached the knock-out stage with eye-catching wins over Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in the league phase, underlining their threat.
The winners of tonight's clash will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the last 16 next month. For Inter, the message from their manager was simple: believe, attack, and make San Siro count.
