Kolarov speaks for Inter boss Chivu after voice loss in Bologna win

Christian Chivu was unable to speak to the media after Inter came from behind to beat Bologna 3-1 in their Serie A meeting, with assistant coach Aleksandar Kolarov taking his place at the post-match press conference.

The Romanian manager lost his voice during the game and, according to Football Italia, could not conduct the usual media duties after Inter completed their comeback in the seventh round of the league season.

Kolarov told DAZN that Bologna’s greater preparation time had contributed to their energetic start, but said Inter could not use that as an excuse.

“Bologna had more time to rest than us, so they were more lively than Inter, but that is not an excuse,” Kolarov said.

“They were more aggressive, but we believed in ourselves and dominated the match in the second half.”

Carlos Augusto was central to Inter’s response, scoring one goal and setting up another. Kolarov praised the Brazilian’s work in training and stressed that his value to the team went beyond his attacking statistics.

“Carlos Augusto always trains very hard. He is a very important player for us and I am happy for him,” he said.

“We do not need his goals and assists to know what he is capable of.”

The result continued a pattern that has repeatedly emerged in Inter’s season: falling behind before recovering to win or draw.

Parma are the only side against whom Inter have not conceded the first goal in their recent run, winning that match 3-0. Before facing Bologna, they had gone behind against Roma 2-0 before fighting back to draw.

They also trailed Udinese 2-0 before winning 5-3, while Napoli led 2-0 before Inter turned the match around to secure a 3-2 victory.

Inter’s latest comeback moved them on to 19 points from their opening seven matches, a total they have reached for only the fourth time in their history during the three-points-for-a-win era of Serie A.

The previous occasions came in the 1994-95, 2017-18, 2002-03 and 1997-98 seasons.

The victory put Inter temporarily top of the Serie A table with 19 points, ahead of Lazio’s match against Juventus on Sunday.

Bologna remain on five points and sit 14th in the standings.