Inter Milan Head Coach Helps Nerazzurri & Italy Star Flourish Under His Management: ‘Heart & Soul Of The Team’ | OneFootball

Federico Dimarco heads into Sunday’s Milan derby in the form of his life, and according to Corriere dello Sport, much of the credit belongs to Cristian Chivu, whose management of the Italy wing-back has unlocked a new and arguably definitive version of one of Serie A’s finest players.

Dimarco was rested for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Como with one purpose in mind, arriving at San Siro on Sunday fully sharp and ready to be decisive once again.

It is a level of careful, thoughtful management that has defined Chivu’s handling of his most important players throughout the season.

Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews, describe the transformation as both mental and physical.

Milan Vs Inter – Chivu Breathes New Life Into Dimarco

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The systematic substitutions at half-time that became a feature of Dimarco’s previous seasons, a form of rotation that, according to the outlet, had become “something of a cage” for the player, are a distant memory.

Chivu has given him continuity, trust and responsibility, and Dimarco has responded by becoming the most complete version of himself.

“Thanks to the Chivu treatment he has found himself again, not just mentally,” Corriere write.

“The number 32 now has an extra gear, and it shows. He has returned to being the heart and soul of the team on the pitch and in the dressing room.”

The consistency Dimarco has achieved under his new coach has elevated the quality of his performances to a level that has drawn admiration from across Europe, and tonight, in the biggest game of the season, Inter will be counting on him to deliver once more.