Inter Milan's journey back to the top of Italian football under manager Cristian Chivu has been remarkable. Appointed in the summer of 2025 after a devastating 5–0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League final, Chivu quickly transformed the team's fortunes, guiding them to their 21st Serie A title in his debut season.

The club faced intense competition as other top teams made significant managerial changes, with Napoli, AS Roma, and AC Milan securing experienced coaches. However, Inter's decision to bring back Chivu, a former player and youth coach, proved to be pivotal. After a disappointing end to the previous season, the squad needed a fresh perspective, and Chivu's arrival marked the start of a new chapter.

Key changes under Chivu included:

• Flexible player rotations: Unlike former coach Simone Inzaghi, Chivu adapted substitutions based on match situations, allowing players like Federico Dimarco to thrive.
• Direct tactical approach: The team embraced a more vertical style of play, enhancing their attacking effectiveness.

Chivu also demonstrated strong leadership in navigating off-field challenges, particularly with defender Alessandro Bastoni, who faced intense scrutiny after a controversial incident.

One of Chivu's standout decisions was trusting young talent Francesco Pio Esposito, who emerged as a key player with nine goals and six assists this season, highlighting Chivu's commitment to developing youth.

As Inter prepares for the next season, expectations will rise, especially after their exit in the UCL knockout stage. Chivu's successful start has laid a solid foundation for future challenges and a renewed quest for European glory.