Just One Key Decision Left As Inter Announces Christian Chivu As Manager

Written By Onyeka Daniel

It’s a new week and with it came an important news for Inter Milan as Cristian Chivu has been officially announced as the new head coach, a few days after Simone Inzaghi’s departure. The Romanian will be on an initial two-year contract, until the end of the 2026-27 season.

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The 44-year-old rejoins the club after a four-month spell in Serie A with Parma as manager, whom he guided to Serie A safety in the final weekend of the just concluded season. He has already bid farewell to his former club, who have also confirmed his departure.

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Chivu spent the final seven years of his playing career in with the Beneamata, and also began his coaching journey in the city of Milano, taking charge of the club’s U14s, U17s, U18s and the Primavera side between 2018 and 2024. He then left to take charge of Parma in February of 2025.

He has now returned to take on the first-team head coach role with the Nerazzurri as Inzaghi left Inter three days after the 5-0 hammering by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, at the end of an ultimately disappointing season for the coach and his squad.

They had been in contention for a treble in April, but were then knocked out of the Coppa Italia in the semi-final by rivals Milan, lost the Serie A title to Napoli by one point and then went on to lose 5-0 to PSG in the Champions League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

“FC Internazionale Milano is pleased to welcome Cristian Chivu as the new head coach of the First Team. The Coach has signed a contract with Inter until 30 June 2027,” a statement on the club website read. “Cristian had already established himself as a defender who could also play as a full-back, but it was in the Netherlands that he completed his transformation.”

“At Ajax, he refined his technical skills and, more importantly, trained his mind. It was a true footballing school for a young player on the rise. In 2001, Chivu became the youngest captain in Ajax’s history, a role reserved for someone with exceptional character and leadership qualities.”

“On 24 March 2010, just 77 days after suffering a terrible skull fracture against Chievo in Verona, Chivu made his return to the pitch, wearing protective headgear. That day marked a new beginning for Cristian, who only months earlier had almost lost far more than just his career.”

“The Nerazzurri fans greeted his first, tentative header with a standing ovation – a feeling that was hard to put into words for Chivu. From then on, he played the rest of his career wearing his protective helmet, removing it only to celebrate titles and victories.”

“In total, he won the Scudetto three times, two Coppa Italia titles, two Supercoppa Italiana trophies, the Club World Cup and the 2009/10 Champions League. At international level, Chivu captained Romania, earning 75 caps and taking part in the European Championship in 2000 and 2008.”

“In 2014, his first chapter with Inter came to an end as he called time on his playing career. However, his Nerazzurri journey was far from over: in 2018, Cristian started his coaching career in Inter’s youth sector. Chivu’s adventure began with the U14s and continued with the U17s and U18s.”

“In the summer of 2021, he took charge of the Primavera side – an important challenge and a big opportunity for such an ambitious person. In his first season, he led the team to a brilliant Scudetto title, the tenth in Inter Primavera’s history. At the end of the 2023/24 campaign, he left Inter.”

“In February 2025, Cristian was given his first opportunity to coach a senior side as Parma, in danger of being relegated, came calling. He led the Emilians to safety, with the team picking up 16 points from 13 matches under his guidance. Now, Cristian Chivu is beginning the third chapter of his Nerazzurri story.”

“He’s doing so with the values that have always guided him: dedication, sacrifice and a tireless work ethic.” The statement concluded. While the new manager will be looking to prepare the team for the FIFA Club World Cup, there is one final role to be filled.

He is set to bring fellow former Nerazzurri defender Walter Samuel with him as part of his backroom staff. The pair spent seven years playing together in San Siro between 2007 and 2014 and were both part of Jose Mourinho’s 2010 treble winning side.

They both lined up as starters in the 2-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. Samuel has most recently been serving as assistant to Lionel Scaloni in the Argentina national team set-up, a role he has held since 2018. He was also part of the staff for Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022.

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Samuel is reportedly set to join the Inter backroom staff instead of Giovanni Martusciello. Angelo Palombo, who also worked with Chivu at Parma, is also set to join the Nerazzurri coaching staff as the team is expected to depart for USA in five days time.

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