Cristian Chivu (foto: Getty Images)
Cristian Chivu has led Inter to the top of Serie A and into Europe despite limited senior experience, emerging as one of Italy’s most promising young coaches.
When Simone Inzaghi left Inter in the summer of 2025, the club faced a pivotal decision. After four years of continuity, the Nerazzurri needed a new direction. Attempts to lure Cesc Fabregas from Como failed, and attention shifted to a familiar face: Cristian Chivu.
The Romanian began his third spell at San Siro in June 2025, a bold move given his limited experience in senior management.
From youth coach to the first team
Chivu spent seven seasons at Inter as a player between 2007 and 2014, before returning in 2018 to work in the academy. He progressed through the U14, U17 and U18 teams before guiding the Primavera side to a youth Scudetto in his first season.
In February 2025, he stepped into senior football, taking charge of Parma in the midst of a relegation battle. Chivu collected 16 points in 13 matches and secured Serie A survival — a crucial stepping stone.
That brief but effective spell convinced Inter president Giuseppe Marotta to entrust him with the senior side.
Tactical identity and early results
At first glance, Chivu did not dismantle the framework left by Inzaghi. Yet he introduced subtle but important adjustments.
Inter build from the back in a structured 4-2-4 system. With both central midfielders often tightly marked, Chivu has innovatively dropped Hakan Çalhanoğlu into the defensive line during build-up phases, allowing centre-backs to split wide and maintain numerical superiority.
Out of possession, Inter press aggressively. Chivu demands high pressure, aiming to trap opponents near their own goal and restrict passing lanes. The approach compresses space and creates turnover opportunities in advanced zones.
Midway through the season, Inter sit top of Serie A, have reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals — where they will face Fabregas’ Como — and secured a Champions League playoff spot.
The big-match question
Despite the strong overall trajectory, one issue remains: results against elite opposition.
Before the recent victory in the Derby d’Italia against Juventus, Inter had struggled in high-profile encounters. They lost to Juventus (3-4) and AC Milan (0-1), managed mixed results against Napoli, and suffered Champions League defeats to Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal.
The win over Juventus represented a psychological breakthrough. Chivu followed it with another positive result against Lecce, suggesting momentum may be shifting.
If Inter begin consistently defeating direct rivals, doubts about Chivu’s inexperience will fade quickly. His emotional bond with supporters — forged during his playing days — already strengthens his position.
For now, the gamble appears inspired. Whether Chivu becomes Inter’s next long-term architect depends on how he handles the decisive months ahead.