Chivu Takes the Blame After Calhanoglu Criticism for Skipping Italy vs Turkiye

FolioPitch.com – 09 October 2026 | Inter head coach Cristian Chivu has publicly shouldered the responsibility for Hakan Calhanoglu‘s absence from Turkiye’s Nations League clash against Italy in Bologna on Monday night. The decision sparked a wave of criticism in Turkiye, where Calhanoglu, the national team captain, was questioned for not supporting his teammates. However, Chivu takes the blame after Calhanoglu criticism for skipping Italy vs Turkiye, revealing that a late training session prevented the midfielder from attending.

Calhanoglu was not included in Vincenzo Montella’s squad for the September-October international break due to injury, but his absence from the stands at the Dall’Ara Stadium raised eyebrows back home. The 31-year-old midfielder has been training with Inter without issues for the past week and was available for selection, but Chivu’s decision to hold a late afternoon session on Monday meant Calhanoglu could not travel to Bologna.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Inter’s Serie A fixture against Parma, Chivu clarified the situation: “Hakan came back on Monday, he’s been training with the group without any issues for the last week. He’s available. Rumours have come out of Turkey about the fact that he did not go and watch his teammates on Monday. The problem was me. We trained late in the afternoon and I wanted him to be there, otherwise I would have given him the day off to let him go and watch the game. We trained late in the afternoon that day and I didn’t give him the time off because I needed to work with him.”

Once again, Chivu takes the blame after Calhanoglu criticism for skipping Italy vs Turkiye, emphasising that the decision was purely tactical and not a sign of disrespect towards the national team. The coach’s intervention aims to quell the backlash that Calhanoglu has faced in his homeland, where fans and pundits alike expected their captain to be present for such a significant match.

The incident highlights the delicate balance clubs must strike between player commitments and national team duties. Calhanoglu, who has been a key figure for both Inter and Turkiye, found himself at the centre of a storm not of his making. Chivu’s transparency in addressing the issue demonstrates his support for his player and his willingness to absorb the pressure.

Chivu takes the blame after Calhanoglu criticism for skipping Italy vs Turkiye, and his statement serves as a reminder that behind every decision there are practical considerations. The coach needed Calhanoglu on the training pitch to prepare for a crucial Serie A encounter, and the timing of the session left no room for a trip to Bologna.

Calhanoglu’s commitment to Turkiye is unquestionable. He has earned over 80 caps for his country and has often played through pain. His absence from the Italy match was not a snub but a consequence of his club obligations. Chivu’s explanation should put the matter to rest, though the debate in Turkiye may linger.

Inter fans will be relieved to have Calhanoglu available for the Parma game. His presence in midfield is vital for the Nerazzurri’s ambitions this season. Chivu’s decision to prioritise training over a spectator appearance underscores his focus on the club’s objectives.

In conclusion, Chivu takes the blame after Calhanoglu criticism for skipping Italy vs Turkiye, and his candid admission should ease tensions. It is a clear example of a coach protecting his player from unfair scrutiny. As Inter prepare for their next challenge, Calhanoglu can focus on his football, knowing his manager has his back.