The head coach of Inter Milan, Christian Kievo, confirmed that pride is worth more than all tactical plans during a press conference held today, Friday, to discuss the summit match against Juventus in the third round of the Italian league for the 2025/2026 season.

Kievo said: "The team has worked well; we know that the international break adds something in terms of mentality. Today, all players are available, and everyone is ready to play."

He added: "It's only the third round, so we shouldn't put too much pressure on it; everyone knows what the Derby of Italy represents. We need the right energy to read the game correctly."

He continued: "We have great ambitions, but we shouldn't put ourselves under additional pressure; we need mental clarity. I rely on the pride of my players and heroes; pride is worth more than all tactical plans."

Regarding his efforts to develop the team's performance, Kievo explained: "The team has strong foundations; my role is to add confidence, energy, and motivation. I don't aim to turn everything upside down, as that is impossible."

Kievo confirmed the readiness of the new arrival from Manchester, Manuel Akanji, to participate in the Turin summit, saying: "Akanji is an important player with significant international value. I am happy with the players I have, and Akanji is ready to play."

He added: "We have a clear identity, and we are trying to continue developing it. We need to understand the game well and deal with its flow, trying to create problems for the opponent."

He continued: "The season has its ups and downs; sometimes, you just need to work hard, learn lessons from mistakes, and move forward with courage."

Kievo also defended the duo Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Jan Bisseck after recent criticisms, affirming his complete confidence in them.

He said: "Çalhanoğlu is very motivated; he has been absent for a long time, and his summer was not calm, but he is now fully ready."

Regarding Bisseck, he clarified: "It's easy to criticize a young player at the first mistake, but if we continue to do that, he will never build his confidence. We need him, and he has shown his true level in training."