Inter appoint Cristian Chivu as Simone Inzaghi replacement

Inter have appointed Cristian Chivu as their new head coach on a two-year deal, replacing Simone Inzaghi.

Inzaghi ended his four-year spell at the San Siro, joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, with Chivu quickly installed as his successor.

Chivu only has 13 senior managerial games under his belt having taken over relegation-threatened Parma in February 2025. Chivu's first game in charge saw Parma beat Bologna 2-0 to climb out of the bottom three, losing just one of his first nine games in charge, with Parma finishing five points clear of the drop zone.

Despite his brief stint at Parma, Chivu does have experience overseeing the youth teams at Inter, managing their U14, U17 and U19s, before three years in charge of their U18s.

Chivu also has six years of playing experience at the San Siro, having moved from Roma to Inter in 2007 and was part of their 2009/10 Treble-winning side, going on to play for six years, making 168 appearances.

There will likely be a significant rebuilding job for the Nerazzurri who have the oldest squad in Serie A and are fine-tuned to Inzaghi's unique philosophy. Chivu has played with both three and four at the back at Parma which should help with any transition period.

Inter were strongly linked with Cesc Fabregas, who's impressed in his first season in management with Como, but following a breakdown in talks, the UEFA Champions League runners-up have moved for the Romanian.

Chivu will be thrown in at the deep end, with his first game in charge taking place on 17th June against Monterrey at the Club World Cup.

In a statement, the club said: "During his life, Cristian Eugen Chivu has faced major challenges and defining moments that shaped him, both as a person and a professional. And through it all, his bond with the Nerazzurri has only grown stronger. Today, he begins his third chapter with Inter, but this time as the head coach of the First Team.

"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. And he’s doing so with the values that have always guided him: dedication, sacrifice and a tireless work ethic."

Liam Williams

• Inter Milan
• European Football
• Serie A
• Manager News
• • 
  •