Inter Milan’s search for a new head coach has taken a dramatic twist this week — and it’s a name Nerazzurri fans know very well – Cristian Chivu.
According to reports, former Inter defender Cristian Chivu is now in pole position to take over at the helm after the club’s attempt to land Cesc Fabregas fell flat.
It all started in the aftermath of Inter’s crushing 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, a night that marked the end of Simone Inzaghi’s tenure.
After what insiders have claimed was a tense and worked up boardoom meeting, the Italian tactician informed the club of his decision to leave. He would later on seal a lucrative move to Saudi giants Al-Hilal just days later.
With Inzaghi gone, Inter quickly set their sights on Como 1907 boss Cesc Fabregas.
The former Spain, Arsenal, and Barcelona midfielder, who’s been turning heads with his impressive work at Como since retiring there in 2023, was reportedly top of Inter’s wishlist.
Fabregas led Como to a solid 10th-place finish in Serie A this season, earning plaudits for his possession-based, attacking style.
However, Como weren’t about to let their prized coach go without a fight.
In a firm statement, the club announced they had refused Inter permission to open talks with Fabregas, calling the swirling transfer rumours “pure fantasy.”
“We communicated our refusal directly to the president of Inter, who accepted it with the courtesy and clarity expected between clubs who hold a mutual respect,” Como said.
Notably, the club’s minority shareholders include its current head coach, Cesc Fàbregas, and football legend Thierry Henry.
With Fabregas off the table and another potential candidate — Genoa’s Patrick Vieira — fading from contention, Inter swiftly turned to a familiar face: Cristian Chivu.
According to reports by Gianluca Di Marzio, Parma have granted Chivu and his representatives permission to negotiate with Inter, as the Crociati begin their own search for a new manager.
Chivu, who famously won the treble with Inter under Jose Mourinho in the 2009-10 season, has been managing Parma and has also earned recognition for his tactical acumen in Serie B.
If negotiations are finalized, Chivu will be on the Inter bench for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, where the Nerazzurri kick off their campaign against Monterrey on June 17.
