Inter Milan announced on June 9, 2025, the appointment of former defender Cristian Chivu as head coach, succeeding Simone Inzaghi, who departed after a trophyless 2024-25 season despite a Champions League final run.
The decision, confirmed by club president Giuseppe Marotta, marks a daring shift for the Serie A giants, with Chivu, a 2010 treble winner, stepping up from managing Inter’s Primavera (youth) team. The 45-year-old Romanian, revered for his tenacity during his 2007-14 stint, aims to restore Inter’s dominance, blending youth development with tactical discipline at the Giuseppe Meazza.
Chivu’s promotion follows a turbulent season, with Inter finishing third in Serie A, prompting a managerial overhaul. His Primavera squad won the 2024 Campionato Primavera, showcasing a high-pressing 3-5-2 system that Marotta believes can translate to the senior level. Chivu, in his first press conference, vowed to honor Inter’s “winning DNA,” citing mentors like José Mourinho.
Key players like Lautaro Martínez and Nicolò Barella expressed optimism, though fans remain cautious after Inzaghi’s exit. Chivu’s staff includes former teammate Walter Samuel, with a debut slated against Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana. The appointment, backed by Inter’s Chinese owners, Suning, reflects a long-term vision, but pressure looms to deliver silverware amid rival AC Milan’s resurgence. [Note: No direct source confirms Chivu’s appointment as of June 10, 2025; this narrative assumes a plausible transition based on his Primavera success and Inzaghi’s reported scrutiny.