Inter Milan has confirmed the appointment of former defender Cristian Chivu as their new head coach, following Simone Inzaghi’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Chivu, 44, has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at the San Siro until June 2027. A key figure in Inter’s treble-winning era, Chivu played for the club from 2007 to 2014 and later returned to coach the Primavera (U19) team, leading them to a youth league title in 2022.
The Romanian tactician most recently managed Serie B side Parma, taking charge in February 2025 and helping them avoid relegation with a strong finish to the season. His impressive turnaround at Parma, combined with his long-standing connection to Inter, made him a natural choice for the role.
Inter Milan had initially approached Como’s head coach, Cesc Fàbregas, as a potential successor to Inzaghi. However, Como refused to release the former Arsenal and Barcelona star, prompting Inter to shift their focus to Chivu. Other names on the shortlist included Patrick Vieira, but the club ultimately prioritized continuity and tactical familiarity.
Club insiders cited Chivu’s deep knowledge of Inter’s back-three system and his alignment with the club’s footballing philosophy as key factors behind the decision.
Chivu’s first major challenge will be leading Inter into the FIFA Club World Cup, where the Nerazzurri face Mexican side Monterrey in their opening match on June 17.
