Chivu on possible Inter vs Fluminense suspension: ‘Can be a problem’

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano reacts after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Cristian Chivu is aware of a weather alert for Inter vs Fluminense but hopes a possible suspension is determined before the game: ‘It can be a problem, I hope they have a sense of responsibility.’

Inter meet Brazilian side Fluminense in the Club World Cup Round of 16 this evening.

The game is held in Charlotte, where there’s a threat of a thunderstorm, which would lead to the game’s suspension, just as it happened in a recent match between Chelsea and Benfica, played at the same venue.

Chivu’s warning over possible Inter vs Fluminense suspension

“I hope a decision will be made before the game. Getting to the stadium to then find out that the match might be postponed can be a problem,” Chivu said at a press conference via Inter’s official website.

“In order to play these games, you need to have good preparation: you need to eat in a suitable way, and drink too at precise times. These things are a must to face something like 120 minutes of a match. I hope they will have some sense of responsibility that will lead to making a decision by 12, as I read too about this weather alert.

“We’re ready as we’ve been from the start, to honour this tournament, to honour what our team stands for. We’ve been ready since day one, we have now rested a few days,” Chivu said.

“The conditions here are different from those on the West Coast, where it was cooler. We are ready: we want to do our best, we want to be the best version of ourselves.”

Unavailable Inter players vs Fluminense

Marcus Thuram has returned to group training and is available for the match, but Davide Frattesi is still injured and has already returned to Europe alongside Hakan Calhanoglu, Piotr Zielinski, Benjamin Pavard and Yann Bisseck.

“Marcus joined the team in training for the last two sessions, which were good; his pain in his thigh has gone, but we will see,” said Chivu.

As for Frattesi, “when we left Milano, we took these situations into account, that’s why some of the lads from the Under 20 are here with us and they’ve helped us step it up a notch in training,” noted the Inter coach.

“Injuries are part of the deal, some issues come at the end of the season, and they need to be checked out. Then other players manage to get back in shape, like Thuram, Frattesi, and Calhanoglu tried too. We decided to send Davide back to evaluate his situation.”

Ex-Milan star Thiago Silva, 40, is the captain of Fluminense.

“He’s had an amazing career, one of the best in his role. I have always appreciated him,” said Chivu.

“It will be tough physically too, for everyone: the temperature will challenge the opponents too, and they can create problems for any team. Brazilian teams have a great mentality; they raise the level of these competitions. Four teams in the round of 16, it’s very good for their movement. Brazilian players make this sport so awesome.”

Inter have qualified for the Club World Cup Round of 16 as group winners, collecting seven points after a 1-1 draw against Monterrey and victories against Urawa Reds and River Plate.

The winner of today’s match will meet Manchester City or Al-Hilal in the quarter-finals.