From Inzaghi to Chivu: A new tactical phase for Inter Milan

Inter Milan will undergo changes under Chivu, who aims to evolve the team’s identity without erasing the foundations laid by Simone Inzaghi

New developments are on the horizon for Inter Milan with Cristian Chivu. 

The new coach will not dismantle the good things done during Simone Inzaghi’s tenure but intends to imprint his own style on the team. Physical preparation will change, and the 3-5-2 formation will no longer be the only system used.

“The Inter Milan coach, along with the directors who chose him for this mission, envisions a team that is adaptable, multidimensional, and above all, intense,” reports La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908.

One of the issues during the final stretch of Inzaghi's reign was physical endurance. The team collapsed too often in the closing stages of matches—19 of the 35 goals conceded in Serie A came after the 60th minute. 

Chivu’s Inter Milan set to embrace tactical flexibility

That troubling pattern needs to be addressed immediately. Boosting fitness levels to avoid late-game collapses will be the foundation of the new season. From there, it’s all about tactical evolution and stylistic variety.

While most of the squad—wounded between Munich and the U.S.—has remained in place, barring market surprises, Chivu’s Inter Milan is designed to step out of its comfort zone. The 2025–26 season will be a reset — a true Year Zero.

Stefano Rapetti, the muscle maestro who was also part of the treble-winning season under Mourinho, is back at Inter Milan and is in charge of physical conditioning. Preseason starts in 11 days, delayed due to the American World Cup, but the pace will be high from day one. 

The goal is to break free from old limitations. More fuel in the tank, higher pressing, and the ability to raise the tempo when needed.

While Inzaghi's unwavering 3-5-2 brought much success, the lack of an alternative plan eventually became a tactical liability. Chivu wants to change that from the outset. This will be a team capable of playing more than one tune.

Given the technical traits of the defenders—starting with Bastoni—a three-man backline remains a natural choice and a bridge between past and future. 

But the midfield structure might evolve: instead of three central midfielders, only two may remain, potentially breaking up the long-standing Barella-Calhanoglu-Mkhitaryan trio.

The Armenian, approaching the final year of his contract (expiring in 2026), may push higher up the pitch into the attacking midfield zone. 

That’s where Inter Milan plans to experiment. Two players behind Lautaro are imagined, with Thuram possibly dropping deeper or Frattesi moving up (pending the arrival of a fifth striker with similar characteristics). 

Alternatively, one playmaker could sit behind the eternal “ThuLa” partnership. Keep an eye on Pio Esposito, who is pushing for a spot.

Tactical systems will shift, but so will player positioning. Chivu wants midfielders capable of driving forward and strikers comfortable moving back. 

Luis Henrique exemplifies this new era—not just a Dumfries replica, but a high winger suited for a front three. In short, it’s about occupying space, varied attacking and defensive mechanisms, principles over strict schemes.

Everything may change, even if it feels like nothing is.