Cristian Chivu has been officially announced as the new head coach of Inter, just shy of a week on from Simone Inzaghi’s departure from the role after four seasons in charge.
Chivu replaces Inzaghi as head coach of the Nerazzurri on an initial two-year contract, which will run until the end of the 2026-27 season.
The 44-year-old rejoins the Nerazzurri after a four-month spell in Serie A with Parma, whom he guided to Serie A safety in the final weekend of the 2024-25 campaign. He has already bid farewell to his former club, who have also confirmed his departure.
Chivu spent the final seven years of his playing career in San Siro with Inter, and also began his coaching journey in the city of Milano, taking charge of the club’s U14s, U17s, U18s and the Primavera side between 2018 and 2024.
He then left to take charge of Parma in February of 2025, but has now returned to take on the first-team head coach role with the Nerazzurri.
Inter had been in contention for a treble in April, but were then knocked out of the Coppa Italia in the semi-final by rivals Milan, lost the Serie A title to Napoli by one point and then went on to lose 5-0 to PSG in the Champions League final.
“FC Internazionale Milano is pleased to welcome Cristian Chivu as the new head coach of the First Team. The Coach has signed a contract with Inter until 30 June 2027,” a statement on the club website read.
“Cristian had already established himself as a defender who could also play as a full-back, but it was in the Netherlands that he completed his transformation. At Ajax, he refined his technical skills and, more importantly, trained his mind. It was a true footballing school for a young player on the rise.
“In 2001, Chivu became the youngest captain in Ajax’s history, a role reserved for someone with exceptional character and leadership qualities. During his time in Amsterdam, Cristian won a league title, the Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup. After 142 appearances over four years, he made the move to Italy, signing for Roma in 2003. The Romanian spent four seasons in the capital, winning the Coppa Italia. Then came a turning point came in 2007: his transfer to Inter, a move that would change his life forever.
“During his seven-year spell as an Inter player, there’s one moment that speaks more about Cristian Chivu’s connection to the Club and its fans than any win, trophy or his 169 appearances and three goals for the Nerazzurri. On 24 March 2010, just 77 days after suffering a terrible skull fracture against Chievo in Verona, Chivu made his return to the pitch, wearing protective headgear.
