Rome, 25 June (LaPresse) – "We're expecting a tough game, just like the last two. These are ambitious teams that want to make a good impression, so they always make it difficult for you in terms of play. The American teams are in better physical condition than the European teams, who are coming off a lot of games. It's never easy, but we accept this challenge to find mental and physical energy." These were the words of Inter coach Cristian Chivu at Lumen Field on the eve of the decisive match against River for qualification to the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. ‘We have a mentality that all games must be taken seriously, we are in better shape. We will move forward and, as always, try to take to the pitch and play our game,’ continued the Romanian, who emphasised the condition of the pitch: "We can't complain, we're used to it. Even in Los Angeles, it wasn't the best. We always adapt to what we find. However, the facilities we have found are excellent. It's not Europe, as it's more of a football stadium than a soccer stadium, but it's not bad.‘ ’I'm happy with everyone, even the new arrivals, even if some people have written that their performances weren't good. Here, people often forget that they arrived in a difficult situation and took to the pitch with only two training sessions with their new team. I'm thinking of Luis Henrique: he arrived after weeks of holiday, and these aren't friendlies, this is a world championship. Everyone has been very helpful: in the 75th minute of the match, I asked Luis Henrique if he wanted to be substituted, and he told me he could continue, even though I could tell he had nothing left. I really appreciate these things, just as I appreciate the contribution of all the Primavera players: Cocchi, Re Cecconi, De Pieri and Berenbruch have energy, they raise the level of training and also help their more experienced teammates.‘ Regarding River Plate: ’I have enormous respect for Gallardo, he's a great guy. He was important as a player and he's a great coach: he's achieved great things with River Plate. What can I say about River: they're a good team, with players who have experienced European football, there are world champions, there's Mastantuono who we'll see in Europe. River is the history of South American football, we look at them with great admiration. I'm pleased to see Colidio: he spent a few months with me in the Primavera before returning to Argentina. He gave me a big hand at the time, giving advice to the lads with great professionalism. I can't wait to give him a hug,‘ said Chivu, who also spoke about the River talent already promised to Real Madrid: ’Mastantuono? He's a 2007-born player with a lot of games under his belt, I like what I see. Who does he remind me of? I see a bit of Di Maria, with his left foot: he's strong and will certainly be a delight in the future of football. It won't be easy at Real with the expectations, but he'll rise to the occasion."