Cristian Chivu’s Inter Milan: from a slow start to a strong surge

After an expected adjustment period, Cristian Chivu’s Inter Milan is now playing with confidence, rhythm, and results

After a normal period of adjustment, Inter Milan under Cristian Chivu has begun to shift gears and dominate both in Serie A and Europe. 

A hesitant start, then a burst of acceleration — the Nerazzurri have now secured five straight victories across domestic and continental competitions, including the emphatic 4–1 win over Cremonese.

“A slow start, but still better than Inzaghi’s last one,” notes Corriere dello Sport via Fcinter1908. “After six league matches, Chivu’s Inter Milan has collected 12 points, compared to Simone Inzaghi’s 11 in the same period. Chivu also leads in Europe: two wins out of two, while Inzaghi had a draw and a win.”

The Romanian coach’s team perhaps paid the price early for a phase of tactical adaptation — subtle refinements rather than revolutions — but once the system settled, the results followed.

Performance growth and tactical maturity

In the past few weeks, Inter Milan has shown notable improvement in its overall play and has corrected several flaws from the early matches. The recent winning streak, aided by a manageable fixture list, has been an opportunity Chivu’s men have taken full advantage of.

But tougher challenges now await. The team’s progress and renewed confidence will soon be tested against top opposition. 

Following the international break, Inter Milan will face Roma and Napoli away from home, with a Champions League trip to Union Saint-Gilloise in between — a decisive week that could define the season’s direction.

Big-Match challenge ahead

However, the upcoming stretch also carries the risk of a setback if Inter Milan cannot reverse its record in big matches — an issue from last season.

“In the Scudetto-winning year, the Nerazzurri were ruthless in direct clashes, dropping very few points and suffering no defeats,” continues Corriere dello Sport. “Last season, though, those fixtures became a weakness. There were only a handful of big wins — two against Atalanta, one each against Roma and Lazio — while several others slipped away, including the late draw at Napoli and the penalty conceded at the death against Lazio at San Siro. The latter arguably cost them the chance at a second consecutive title.”

This season’s Inter Milan looks sharper, hungrier, and more balanced. The next trio of matches will reveal whether Chivu’s evolution has truly transformed the team into a contender once again.