Chivu trusts Inter Milan youth as Kamate shines against Torino

U23 prospects seize their chance in Coppa Italia rotation

In the Coppa Italia quarter-final against Torino, Cristian Chivu opted for heavy rotation, resting several regular starters and giving valuable minutes to two Inter Milan U23 players: Issiaka Kamate and Matteo Cocchi. 

Both were deployed as wing-backs, one on the right and one on the left, and both showed confidence. Kamate, in particular, emerged as one of the most convincing performers of the night.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, his debut with the senior Inter Milan side may have changed not only his status but also his future. 

With the team still waiting for Denzel Dumfries’ return and the January transfer window ending without reinforcements, Chivu chose an internal solution rather than patching gaps through what he himself described as a “brutal” market. And so, instead of looking elsewhere, Inter Milan looked downstairs.

Kamate’s long road to Inter Milan’s first team

Kamate arrived at Interello in 2020 from Montfermeil, during the height of the Covid era, when scouting relied more on video footage than live observation. 

Inter Milan moved quickly, trusting the eye of then-scout Gian Paolo Manighetti. From there, his rise through the Nerazzurri youth ranks was rapid.

Even before last season’s loan spells in Portugal’s top flight with AVS and in Serie B with Modena, Kamate was already a familiar face around the first team. Under Simone Inzaghi, he was called up as early as the 2022–23 season, though without making his debut.

His opportunity finally came in Monza, almost by chance. Matteo Darmian suffered a late illness, and Chivu changed course. 

Instead of turning to Luis Henrique, the coach placed his trust in the 21-year-old he had personally developed. Kamate repaid that faith with lively play and a decisive assist for Bonny’s goal. 

A cross that, as many noted in the stands, had not been seen from Luis Henrique in six months at Inter Milan.

A Chivu-made winger ready to grow

Chivu knows Kamate well. He coached him for two years in Primavera, first as a midfielder, then reinventing him as a right winger in a 4-3-3 system. 

The switch unlocked his qualities: a sharp left foot, dribbling ability and imagination. The numbers followed: 12 goals in 30 matches, even if the youth title slipped away.

There are flaws, chiefly a lack of consistency, but the upside is clear. Kamate can create something from nothing, even with his weaker foot, as Torino discovered. 

The loan spells did little to accelerate his growth, but the new Inter Milan U23 project appears tailor-made for him. Back at home, he has already delivered five goals and three assists, establishing himself as a technical leader under Stefano Vecchi.

On the opposite flank, Matteo Cocchi also started at Monza, a familiar ground for both players given their Serie C matches. 

For Chivu, Kamate is now a name to remember. When needed, the Inter Milan coach will not hesitate to call on him again. The climb, for one of his most trusted protégés, has only just begun.

Source: Fcinter1908.it