Iconic Inter Milan Captain Defends Cristian Chivu Amid Inexperience Claims: “Gone Through All The Steps” | OneFootball

Marco Materazzi believes Cristian Chivu has what it takes to become a successful manager at Inter Milan despite lacking experience in senior management.

Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio via FCInterNews, Materazzi hailed the Romanian’s career trajectory.

Cristian Chivu enjoyed a stellar playing career, establishing himself as one of the best defenders of his generation.

Furthermore, he was part of Inter’s treble-winning team in 2010. Indeed, he and Materazzi shared the dressing room under Jose Mourinho.

Therefore, Materazzi is uniquely qualified to speak about Chivu’s football knowledge.

The 44-year-old returned to San Siro this summer in a different capacity, replacing Simone Inzaghi at the helm.

Despite not being the club’s first option, the Romanian took charge after spending few months at Parma.

Moreover, that was his first foray into senior management.

As such, many still criticize Inter’s decision to appoint the former defender as the new coach.

Chivu’s lack of experience remains a polarizing subject.

However, Materazzi has no doubt about his ex-teammate’s expertise.

Marco Materazzi Defenders Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Cristian has gone through all the steps he needed to,” Materazzi stated. “Many say he’s inexperienced.

“However, he grew up at Ajax and followed the same path at Inter as a youth coach,” explained Matrix.

“Then he reached a point where he said, in a mature and intelligent way: ‘I’ll stop and wait.’

“And he was fortunate to be called by Parma in Serie . It’s true he only had a few games there, but he managed to save the team.”

Meanwhile, Materazzi confirmed what many had suspected. Chivu was not Inter’s first choice to replace Inzaghi.

“Then the big opportunity arrived,” Chivu added. “Cristian wasn’t Inter’s first choice after Inzaghi.

“However, since the right circumstances didn’t fall into place, the club decided to give him the chance to coach.

“On the pitch, Chivu was already a coach, but off the pitch, he wasn’t as mentally focused as others, like Cambiasso. A