Inter's 3-0 victory at Feyenoord on Tuesday night was exactly the response Cristian Chivu needed after a bruising derby defeat to Milan at the weekend. The result, earned away from home in a notoriously difficult atmosphere at the De Kuip, shifted the mood around the club considerably and moved Inter into the Champions League playoff positions with six points from four games.

What made the win particularly significant was not just the scoreline but the players who delivered it. Yann Bisseck opened the scoring inside eight minutes with a goal that drew as much attention for his pointed celebration toward the cameras as for its quality. Pio Esposito, returning to form after nearly two months without a goal, added the second. Piotr Zielinski wrapped up the victory with a composed finish that underlined his growing influence in midfield. Nicolo Barella and Federico Dimarco, two players who had drawn criticism in recent weeks, also produced sharper performances.

The win also brought Djed Spence into the spotlight. The English wing-back, one of three Premier League arrivals last summer alongside John Stones and Phil Jones, had struggled to find his footing due to injury. His display in Rotterdam was the first real sign that Chivu's summer recruitment is beginning to take shape.

Inter now sit second in Serie A with 25 points from ten games, three behind leaders Lazio. They return to domestic action on Sunday when Como visit the Giuseppe Meazza.