Cristian Chivu was a stylish left-footed defender who captained Ajax and Romania, then played for Roma before joining Inter in 2007. He was part of JosΓ© Mourinho’s team that won the treble of Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League in 2010. A fractured skull in 2010 forced him to wear a protective headguard for the rest of his career.
After retiring, Chivu coached in Inter’s youth system for several years and won the Primavera title. He had his first senior job at Parma in 2025, keeping them in Serie A.
Inter appointed him head coach in June 2025, succeeding Simone Inzaghi.
Coaching style
Chivu’s coaching is influenced by his time as a player under JosΓ© Mourinho and his years in Inter’s youth system. His teams are well organised, flexible in their formation and willing to play possession or counter-attack depending on the opponent. At Parma he showed an ability to organise a struggling team quickly, keeping them in Serie A. His calm, authoritative manner and his knowledge of Inter’s culture were important factors in his appointment.
International career
As a player, Chivu won 75 caps for Romania and captained the national team. He played at Euro 2000 and Euro 2008.