Chivu's Inter gamble: English trio face Napoli test

Inter's Serie A campaign faces an early litmus test on Saturday when Napoli visit San Siro, but the spotlight will be fixed on Cristian Chivu's attempts to bed in three English signings. Djed Spence, John Stones, and Curtis Jones arrived under very different circumstances, and with a Champions League trip to Real Madrid looming on Tuesday, the coach has little time to waste.

The summer was far from smooth for the Nerazzurri. After missing out on Marco Palestra and seeing Anan Khalaili's move collapse, Inter turned to Spence, a surprise star of England's 2026 World Cup run. Stones joined on a free after leaving Manchester City, while Jones arrived from Liverpool for around $35 million. All three bring quality but must adapt quickly to Italian football.

Chivu acknowledged the challenge in his pre-match press conference, saying: "I've learned not to make plans. There's a bit of concern about what hasn't happened." He highlighted that Stones and Jones are already showing promise, while Spence continues his rehabilitation. The coach also stressed the importance of veterans like Carlos Augusto and Mkhitaryan.

Napoli, meanwhile, have their own transition under Massimiliano Allegri, who replaced Antonio Conte. With Arsenal also on the horizon for the Azzurri, this match could set the tone for both clubs' ambitions. For Inter, integrating their English trio swiftly is not just a tactical necessity but a psychological boost ahead of a defining week.