Cristian Chivu Appointed Inter Milan Head Coach After Inzaghi’s Exit

Inter Milan have officially appointed former player Cristian Chivu as their new head coach, following Simone Inzaghi’s departure to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

Chivu, 44, signed a two-year deal with the Nerazzurri, keeping him at the helm until June 2027. A former Inter defender between 2007 and 2014, Chivu has remained connected to the club in various coaching roles, most notably leading the Primavera (U19) team to a youth league title in 2022.

Most recently, he managed Serie B side Parma, taking over in February 2025 and successfully guiding the club to safety from relegation.

Inter had initially pursued Cesc Fàbregas, currently managing newly promoted Como, as their first-choice replacement. However, Como refused to release Fàbregas, forcing Inter to shift focus. Club executives eventually chose Chivu over other candidates like Patrick Vieira, favoring his familiarity with Inter’s tactical identity and his commitment to maintaining the club’s trademark back-three formation.

Chivu’s first major test as Inter’s head coach will come later this month as the club prepares for its FIFA Club World Cup debut against Monterrey on June 17.