Ex Inter Milan Defender Heaps Praise On Cristian Chivu: “Special & Speaks Like Mourinho” | OneFootball

Former Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia has heaped praise on new manager Cristian Chivu amid the Nerazzurri’s strong run.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport via FCInterNews, Ranocchia drew a comparison between the 45-year-old and Jose Mourinho.

Cristian Chivu wasn’t the club’s first option to replace Simone Inzaghi, who left the club to take charge of Al-Hilal in June.

However, after failing to find an agreement with Cesc Fabregas, the Nerazzurri turned to their former player.

Despite lacking experience in senior management, the Romanian coach has left a telling impression in the early stages of his tenure at San Siro.

Indeed, Inter headed into November’s international break as joint Serie A leaders alongside Roma.

In addition to sitting at the top of the three, they’ve scored a comfortable league-high 26 goals so far.

Furthermore, the Italian giants remain one of only three teams to have won the opening four matches in the Champions League.

Therefore, it’s fair to say that Chivu has exceeded expectations.

Andrea Ranocchia Waxes Lyrical About Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 20: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano attends a press conference ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 20, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

“I know Cristian well,” Ranocchia said. “I spent several years with him in the dressing room, and it immediately seemed like the right choice.

“I was 100% convinced. He’s a guy with intelligence and sensitivity that are different from the others.

“For a coach, it’s essential to put yourself in your players’ shoes, and he was already able to do that even when he was still playing.

“He didn’t talk a lot, but whenever he spoke, everyone listened. And in an Inter full of great champions, that was no given.

|He was always highly respected. Then I met him again at Appiano when he started coaching in the youth sector a few years later.

“I was convinced he could do well because I saw him coach with great passion.

“He saw in this team the potential to do something different from the past.

“Inter have important athletic qualities that fit perfectly with his idea of football.

“Against Lazio, you could see the kind of pressing they can produce: in the first ten minutes, they practically didn’t let them play.

‘’They attacked them in an incredible way, and that situation led to Lautaro’s goal. They were frightening.

“But there’s another thing I really like about Chivu.

“He communicates in an extraordinary way. He answers questions like Mourinho, Guardiola or Klopp.

“People like Cristian step outside the box of clichés. There aren’t many coaches around with that kind of ability.

“His press conferences are fantastic.”

Ranocchia Comments on Inter Current Defensive Options

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 06: Yann Aurel Bisseck of FC Internazionale celebrates after his team’s victory in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Yann Bisseck appears to have returned to form following an underwhelming start to the season.

Therefore, the 24-year-old has emerged as a favorite to start in Sunday’s derby against AC Milan ahead of Francesco Acerbi.

“Let’s say he has a foundation for it,” Ranocchia said. “He can definitely work on it.

“I really like this kid; in terms of characteristics, he has an international profile. He can establish himself even in that role.”

Bisseck will likely partner up with Alessandro Bastoni and Manuel Akanji at the back.

Indeed, the latter has hit the ground running immediately upon his arrival from Manchester City on deadline day.

“Let’s remember he comes from Guardiola’s school. A high-profile coach like Pep makes you grow enormously,” Ranocchia added.

“He gives you a toolkit you always carry with you. But Inter found the real advantage in attack.

“Going from Taremi and Arnautovic to Pio Esposito and Bonny gives you an important edge.

“You could see it during Thuram’s absence; he was able to recover calmly. That wouldn’t have been possible last season.”

Ranocchia Lauds Lautaro Martinez & Offers Milan Derby Verdict

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between FC Internazionale Milano and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio San Siro on September 30, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Moreover, Ranocchia hailed Lautaro Martinez for his grit and winning mentality.

“From the way he presses, fights, and celebrates, you can see how hungry he is.

“Lauti is an international-level player; he’s the symbol of a team that always wants to win and achieve targets.

“I’ve heard what people have said, but that’s just his way of living matches.

“He laughs plenty off the pitch. When he has to do his job, a smile isn’t very useful.

“Ambition is his real strength – that’s why he keeps breaking records. He’s never satisfied.”

Finally, Ranocchia underscored the importance of Sunday’s showdown at San Siro.

“I think Inter can feel fairly calm,” he stated. “In my opinion, it will be harder for Milan to manage because if they lose, they’d find themselves five points behind their rivals.

“A significant gap would begin to open. And when you win a derby, you also gain a huge boost of enthusiasm.