Paris – Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu has cautioned his squad against complacency as they prepare to face Kairat Almaty in a crucial Champions League group stage fixture. Despite Inter’s commanding position in Group D and Kairat’s struggles, Chivu is adamant that no opponent can be taken lightly in Europe’s premier club competition.

The Nerazzurri are set to host Kairat Almaty at the San Siro on Thursday, November 5, 2025, in a match that on paper appears heavily in Inter’s favor. The Italian giants have enjoyed a near-perfect start to their Champions League campaign, securing maximum points from their first three matches. This impressive run has placed them at the top of Group D, ahead of Bayern Munich on goal difference, and firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stages. Inter’s attacking prowess has been on full display, having netted nine goals without conceding a single one, a testament to their defensive solidity and clinical finishing.

In stark contrast, Kairat Almaty find themselves languishing at the bottom of the group. The Kazakhstan Premier League side has managed to secure just one point from their opening three games, a draw against Benfica at home, and their goal difference paints a grim picture. With only one goal scored and nine conceded, Kairat faces an uphill battle to remain competitive in the group. Their journey to the Champions League group stage involved navigating through four qualifying rounds, a testament to their resilience and determination, but they have struggled to replicate that form against the elite teams of Europe.

The disparity in form and pedigree has led many to predict a comfortable victory for Inter Milan. However, Cristian Chivu is keen to ensure that his players remain grounded and focused. The former Inter defender, who took over as manager at the start of the season, has instilled a sense of discipline and tactical awareness within the team. He is acutely aware of the potential pitfalls of underestimating any opponent, particularly in the Champions League.

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"Winning in a competition like this is never easy," Chivu stated in a press conference leading up to the match. "They have already come through four qualifying rounds, we must respect them and stay focused." His words reflect a deep understanding of the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of maintaining a professional approach regardless of the opposition’s perceived strength.

Chivu’s emphasis on respect for Kairat stems from their journey to the group stage. The Kazakh side navigated a challenging qualification path, overcoming several hurdles to reach this point. Their presence in the group is a reward for their hard work and dedication, and Chivu believes they are capable of causing an upset if Inter is not fully prepared.

"We are constantly trying to improve and find consistency," Chivu added. "There will be storms, that’s football and life. The important thing is to stay strong and keep our heads up." This philosophical outlook underscores Chivu’s belief in the importance of resilience and mental fortitude in the face of adversity. He recognizes that setbacks are inevitable in football, but the ability to bounce back and maintain focus is crucial for long-term success.

Inter’s recent form has been impressive, both domestically and in Europe. They are currently in second place in Serie A, just two points behind leaders Juventus, and have won their last five league matches. Their attacking duo of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram have been in scintillating form, contributing a combined 15 goals in all competitions. The midfield has also been a source of strength, with Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu providing creativity and stability.

Defensively, Inter have been equally impressive, conceding just six goals in their 11 Serie A matches. The arrival of veteran defender Francesco Acerbi has added experience and leadership to the backline, complementing the talents of Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer has also been a reliable presence between the posts, providing a sense of security and confidence to the team.

Kairat Almaty, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency this season. They are currently in fifth place in the Kazakhstan Premier League, some distance behind leaders Astana. Their attacking options have been limited, with Brazilian forward Joao Paulo their top scorer with just six goals in all competitions. The midfield lacks creativity and dynamism, and the defense has been prone to errors.

Their Champions League campaign has been a baptism of fire, with heavy defeats against Bayern Munich and Benfica exposing their limitations. However, they showed glimpses of their potential in their home match against Benfica, securing a hard-fought draw. Their manager, Kirill Keker, has acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead but remains optimistic that his team can learn from the experience and improve.

"We know that we are facing a very strong opponent in Inter Milan," Keker said in a pre-match interview. "They are one of the best teams in Europe, but we will give our best and try to make it difficult for them. We have nothing to lose, so we will play with courage and determination."

Kairat’s squad features a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents. Defender Gafurzhan Suyumbayev is a seasoned international with over 50 caps for Kazakhstan, while midfielder Andrey Ulshin is a creative playmaker with a knack for scoring goals. Young forward Artur Shushenachev is also one to watch, having impressed with his pace and dribbling skills.

Inter Milan are expected to field a strong lineup for the match against Kairat, with Chivu likely to make a few changes to keep his squad fresh. Goalkeeper Emil Audero is expected to start in place of Yann Sommer, while defender Benjamin Pavard could come into the team to replace Stefan de Vrij. In midfield, Davide Frattesi could be given a chance to impress, while Joaquin Correa is likely to start alongside Lautaro Martinez in attack.

The match at the San Siro is expected to be a one-sided affair, with Inter Milan overwhelming favorites to secure all three points. However, Cristian Chivu will be keen to ensure that his players do not underestimate Kairat Almaty and that they approach the game with the same level of focus and intensity that they have shown in their previous matches. A victory for Inter would consolidate their position at the top of Group D and move them closer to securing a place in the knockout stages. For Kairat, the match represents an opportunity to test themselves against one of the best teams in Europe and to gain valuable experience for the future.

The referee for the match will be announced by UEFA 24 hours before the game. The weather forecast for Milan on Thursday is expected to be clear with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius.

Inter Milan’s upcoming fixtures after the Kairat Almaty game include an away match against Roma in Serie A, followed by a home game against Juventus. They will then travel to Germany to face Bayern Munich in their penultimate Champions League group stage match. Kairat Almaty’s next fixture is a home match against Ordabasy in the Kazakhstan Premier League, followed by a trip to Benfica in the Champions League.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo

Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.

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