How Cristian Chivu Is Reshaping Inter Milan With Two Core Principles | OneFootball

New Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu is making profound changes, shifting the team toward a more high-pressing style.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, the 44-year-old has already changed Inter’s approach compared to recent years.

Indeed, Inter Milan used to play passively behind the ball under former manager Simone Inzaghi.

However, that’s no longer the case, with Chivu insisting on a more aggressive play off the ball and quicker recoveries.

How Cristian Chivu is Changing Inter Milan

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

For starters, Cristian Chivu wants Inter to be more ‘vertical’ in attack. Indeed, he is encouraging a more direct style of football.

In order to achieve that, Inter must be more proactive off the ball, especially in the opponent’s half.

Therefore, the average ball recovery distance has gone from 38.1 to 40.4 meters.

Moreover, Inzaghi’s Inter allowed opponents an average of 11.6 passes in their own half before regaining possession.

Meanwhile, Chivu’s Inter have reduced that figure to 9.9.

On the other hand, Inzaghi’s Inter averaged 6.1 offensive recoveries, whereas Chivu’s side forces 7 high turnovers on average.