Chivu’s silent revolution is powering Inter Milan forward

After time and precise choices, the Nerazzurri coach has restored balance and fitness to Inter Milan

There is still one obstacle to overcome: the taboo of direct clashes. Inter Milan currently sit top of the table, four points clear of Napoli, their main Scudetto rivals, albeit with one game fewer. 

Yet the Nerazzurri have lost all major head-to-heads in the first half of the season, falling to Conte’s Napoli, Milan, and Juventus.

On this topic, Corriere della Sera via Fcinter1908 writes:

“Direct clashes remain the weak spot of the league leaders, who are nevertheless growing, not only because of six consecutive league wins. The young coach has changed little compared to Inzaghi, in order to change everything.”

With one match left before the end of the first half of the season, Wednesday’s rescheduled game against Lecce, and just two days before the showdown with Napoli, Chivu is enjoying his silent revolution at Inter Milan.

From defence to midfield, Chivu’s calm evolution is taking shape

Step by step, and in his own time, Chivu has reshaped Inter Milan. In defence, Akanji and Bisseck have gained importance, with the latter forming a strong partnership with Luis Henrique on the right flank.

“The Brazilian is still catching up physically, but after Dumfries’ injury, Chivu has given him trust and continuity. Against Napoli, it will be his tenth consecutive start,” the newspaper explains.

On Henrique, Corriere adds:

“The former Marseille player has understood the movements and provides balance and cover. He may lack something in the final third, where more boldness is needed, but Chivu knows this and is waiting for him.”

Changes have also arrived in midfield, where Zielinski has carved out a key role, while in attack Chivu enjoys a luxury Inzaghi rarely had.

With Bonny and Esposito offering strong guarantees, the Romanian coach can finally rotate Lautaro Martinez and Thuram.

“No team in Serie A has an attacking quartet of such high quality,” the paper notes.

Napoli clash as a defining moment

Inter Milan are now called to take another step forward, precisely against Conte’s Napoli, on Sunday night.

“In recent months they have beaten the league’s upper-middle class, Atalanta and Bologna most recently, and show no mercy to so-called provincial sides. What they need now is a victory of stature,” reads the report.

The direct clash with Napoli represents a golden chance to truly take flight and potentially send their most dangerous rival seven points behind.

Chivu works hard and well

“Chivu works hard and well at the Pinetina. The so-called backups perform at the level of the starters,” Corriere adds, citing Carlos Augusto, Mkhitaryan, and Pio Esposito as examples from Parma, where only Sucic’s contribution was missing.

Even some past lapses in game management appear resolved, with Inter Milan showing an improved ability to suffer and resist in recent outings.

A decisive and intense period now awaits the Nerazzurri. Beyond Napoli, Inter Milan will face Arsenal and Borussia in two crucial Champions League matches that could secure qualification for the round of 16.

“The moment is now. The objective is clear: make the most of this phase and pull away, with the awareness of having found balance and condition,” the newspaper concludes.