Cristian Chivu’s Inter debut Brings Fresh Direction After Inzaghi’s Exit
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Cristian Chivu’s Inter debut is already breathing new life into the squad, according to Alessandro Bastoni, as the Nerazzurri prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Following a turbulent end to last season—including a devastating 5-0 Champions League final loss to PSG and narrowly missing the Serie A title—Inter now looks to rediscover its spirit under a familiar face. The change in leadership has not only sparked tactical shifts but an emotional reset for a team eager to compete for global silverware.
- Bastoni praises Cristian Chivu’s leadership ahead of Inter’s Club World Cup campaign
- The squad reflects on the painful end of the Inzaghi era and aims to bounce back
- Inter face Monterrey, Urawa Red Diamonds, and River Plate in their group
- Chivu’s arrival marks a fresh chapter for the Nerazzurri on the global stage
Bastoni, speaking from Inter’s training base in Los Angeles, expressed admiration for Chivu’s early influence, praising the former treble-winning defender for bringing a grounded but ambitious tone to the locker room. “He reminded us what we’ve achieved in recent years,” Bastoni said, emphasizing how Chivu’s presence has helped reframe past setbacks as motivation. The new manager is joined by former teammate Aleksandar Kolarov as assistant, forming a staff that understands Inter’s DNA from the inside out.
The Nerazzurri will kick off their Club World Cup journey against Monterrey at 02:00 UK time on Wednesday, followed by matches against Urawa Red Diamonds and River Plate. While the competition is intense, Bastoni insists the team is determined to embrace the opportunity and restore belief. “This job gives us the chance to turn the page. We want to prove we belong among the best,” he noted.
After four years under Simone Inzaghi, who departed for a new role at Al-Hilal, the squad is experiencing its first major transition in half a decade. The emotional departure came amid mounting pressure following back-to-back disappointments. Still, Bastoni maintains there’s no bitterness. “We speak to him often and have no complaints,” he said. “But now it’s about moving forward and writing the next chapter with purpose.”
With the global spotlight on Inter, expectations are high—not just for results, but for the tone Chivu sets as a long-term leader. His history with the club, both as a player and youth coach, provides rare continuity. Bastoni’s reflections echo a team in search of identity and direction, and early signs suggest they’ve found both. For those tracking Italy’s top-flight revival, our Serie A Predictions section offers valuable insights as the domestic season nears. Inter’s journey may be global this month, but its heartbeat remains firmly Italian. By the time they return home, their outlook, like their coach, may be entirely new. Expect more shifts in momentum as the Serie A Predictions race evolves.
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