Chivu: 'They Line Up to Pelt Inter with Rocks' – Boss Defends Nerazzurri Amid Media Storm Before Roma Clash

Picture this: you're nursing a pint, and Cristian Chivu storms into the pub, pointing fingers at the lads for picking on his Inter Milan side. That's the vibe from his latest presser, as reported by Susy Campanale at Football Italia. With the Nerazzurri top of Serie A but wobbling after a derby loss to AC Milan and draws against Atalanta and Fiorentina, Chivu's had enough of the 'crisis' talk.

He's banging on about a marathon, not a sprint. Eighteen games, 14 wins, three draws, one loss? That's pace-setting stuff, mate. Sure, their lead's down to six points with eight rounds left, but Chivu's not sweating it.

Media Witch-Hunt or Paranoia? Chivu Spills the Tea

Chivu reckons Inter get the rough end of the stick. 'Drama only stirs for our draws, not anyone else's,' he quipped. He dragged up that Alessandro Bastoni celebration row after Pierre Kalulu's harsh red for Juventus – a media trial like no other, apparently.

"People line us up and chuck rocks when it's us," he fumed. "Incidents against Inter? Crickets." It's classic top-dog syndrome in Italy, he says, but Inter's a 'glorious club' with 'marvellous fans'. Fair play, or is he chasing shadows?

When quizzed on refs and VAR for their games, Chivu shut it down sharp. 'I'm picking the XI, not playing ghost hunter,' he laughed off. Focus on the pitch, trust common sense – wise words from the gaffer.

Roma Preview: Gasperini's Giallorossi on the Rope

Sunday's San Siro showdown kicks off at 19:45 UK time – prime viewing for your evening bevvy. Roma, now fifth after stuttering, are under Gian Piero Gasperini, who's stamped his mark beyond expectations.

"Tough nut, always the next game's the big one," Chivu warned. His sides demand courage and ambition; expect intensity. Roma ain't pushovers, even if they're slipping.

Good tidings for Inter fans: Lautaro Martinez is primed for return after missing since the Champions League play-off vs Bodo/Glimt. Luis Henrique and Andy Diouf are key too – every player's vital, body and mind.

Bigger Picture: Leaders' Grit in the Final Furlong

Inter went into internationals on a mini-slump, but Chivu's eyes are on the prize. 'Tough stretch ahead, be competitive,' he urged. They've smashed expectations, still topping the table.

Haters gonna hate, especially when you're the big dog. Chivu's rallying the troops, batting away the noise. Can they grind out a win against Gasperini's lot and stretch that lead?

Grab your scarf, it's crunch time in Serie A. Inter's not just surviving the rock-throwing – they're building a fortress. What's your prediction, lads? Three points or more drama?