Chivu’s Inter Milan: the coach who brought the team back to life

From crisis to confidence: Chivu’s bold leadership has reshaped Inter Milan both mentally and tactically

Paolo Condò used a striking word to describe what Cristian Chivu has done since taking over at Inter Milan: he “shook up” the team. 

After a dismal end to last season, the Nerazzurri desperately needed a mental reset, and Chivu delivered it with precision and authority.

According to La Repubblica via Fcinter1908, “The first change, already visible during the Club World Cup in America, was tactical. Chivu took Inzaghi’s familiar 3-5-2 system and pushed the defensive line several meters higher. One by one, his players — even the forwards — have said they appreciate this more aggressive defensive approach.”

The second challenge for Chivu was rebuilding the squad’s morale after the devastating 5–0 loss to PSG. That psychological work, more than tactics, has been key to Inter Milan’s resurgence.

Fresh energy, fearless football — and the rise of Chivu’s protégés

“In the fourth goal against Union Saint-Gilloise,” writes La Repubblica, “you could see all the fresh air that last summer’s transfer window brought to Appiano Gentile: Bonny provided the assist, Pio Esposito finished it off. Chivu brought the first from Parma, and developed the second in Inter Milan’s academy.”

Now that his protégés are shining, Chivu prefers not to overpraise them — keeping focus and balance within the squad. 

The coach’s football philosophy recalls Carlo Ancelotti’s timeless tactical simplicity: the goalkeeper plays forward to the defender, the defender to the midfielder, the midfielder to the striker — and the striker scores.

That “verticality” has become Chivu’s own football mantra. It doesn’t mean blindly kicking the ball forward, but speeding up decisions and favoring forward passes over lateral ones — a lesson from Ancelotti’s school, executed with Mourinho’s charisma.

From José Mourinho, Chivu also learned how to communicate — both with players and the media. He hides lineups behind riddles, deflects uncomfortable questions with wit, and crafts soundbites that inevitably become headlines.