Cristian Chivu's Remarkable Rise at Inter: From Doubt to Domestic Double Glory
Cristian Chivu made history in his first season as Inter coach, winning both the Italian Serie A and the Coppa Italia, achieving the domestic double less than a year after his appointment. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta showed remarkable courage in hiring Chivu, a choice that initially faced skepticism from fans and players alike. However, Chivu proved to be the right man in the right place at the right time, leading to discussions about a contract extension in the coming days. Currently, Chivu's deal runs until the summer of 2027, but both parties are expected to agree on an extension through at least 2028, alongside a salary increase. Chivu's success is particularly noteworthy as he became the third coach in Inter's history to secure the domestic double, following in the footsteps of Roberto Mancini in 2006 and Jose Mourinho in 2010. The former Parma coach played a pivotal role in Inter's triumph, culminating in a 2-0 victory against Lazio in the Coppa Italia final. This achievement comes after a challenging previous season, where Inter faced disappointment, including a 5-0 loss to PSG in the Champions League final. Chivu arrived at a time when the club needed to restore its positive mentality, and while some players were tested during the Club World Cup in the summer of 2025, there was a reluctance to make drastic changes. As Inter celebrates its 21st Serie A title, the focus now shifts to sustaining success, as winning again poses a greater challenge than achieving the first victory.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-14