Inter are away to Venezia at the Stadio Penzo in Venice on 28 October, with kick-off set for 17.30 GMT. Cristian Chivu explained his team selection for the Serie A match and said Inter must not under-estimate Venezia.
Selection decisions
Chivu explained his choices for the Inter XI against Venezia, including the first Aleksandar Stankovic start and no Marcus Thuram rest. Aleksandar Stankovic made his full debut in the Inter jersey against Venezia.
Chivu told Sky Sport Italia: "He is an Inter player, we chose him for his growth and all he’s done since stepping up to the senior side, he played in the Champions League with Club Brugge. We are very happy to have him with us."
Stankovic was up against his brother Filip in the Venezia goal.
Warning over Venezia
Venezia had turned a corner under new coach Davide Nicola following the sacking of Giovanni Stroppa. Venezia beat Napoli 1-0 on Davide Nicola's debut, then suffered a 1-0 loss away to Genoa.
Chivu said: "We must not under-estimate anyone."
Chivu said: "They are more organised and focused under the new coach, they are dangerous in transitions and on the second balls. They do everything to stay in the top flight, understand their limitations and are doing everything to have a season worthy of this wonderful city."
Chivu said: "They beat Napoli here only a couple of weeks ago, so they have ambition and are not to be under-estimated."
Schedule and injuries
Inter have the Derby della Madonnina with Milan on Saturday, then Feyenoord in the Champions League followed by Como.
Chivu said: "Those who are in good shape will play."
Chivu said: "We’ve got to maintain a balance and keep the momentum going. We must not under-estimate any match, our focus is always on tonight, and we will have time to think about the derby after this game."
Inter's injury crisis ruled out Lautaro Martinez, Benjamin Pavard, Curtis Jones, John Stones and Luis Henrique.
Pio Esposito update
Chivu said Francesco Pio Esposito had not been well over the last few days, had a bit of a fever, and had a family issue involving the loss of his grandfather. There were reports that Esposito was not at 100 per cent, otherwise Thuram would have been allowed some time off that evening.
Added Chivu to DAZN Italia: "Pio wasn’t well over the last few days, he had a bit of a fever, there was also a family issue and we send our condolences over the loss of his grandfather."
