Inter, Sportmediaset: Chivu’s lesson isn’t for Conte, but for all of Italy | OneFootball

In Italy, Inter's coach seems like an alien: he doesn't blame referees, doesn't make excuses, and keeps communication strictly on the field.

Inter, Sportmediaset, Chivu's lesson is not just for Conte but for all of Italy

While the controversy over Napoli-Inter was heating up the country, the only one to remain clear-headed was Cristian Chivu. From him comes a reflection that goes beyond football.

While football-loving Italy continues to debate the Di Lorenzo-Mkhitaryan contact and Mariani's decisions in Napoli-Inter 3-1, part of the country seems stuck in an eternal replay.

Discussions are happening everywhere – on social media, on TV, on the radio, in bars – as if every refereeing incident were a national wound. And it's true: it's part of the game, because football also thrives on opinions, emotions, and conflicts.

But the problem arises when everything is reduced to just that. When controversies become the sole focus of our football.

Chivu, the only one to remain calm

Amid the general noise, Cristian Chivu chose a different path.

After a heavy defeat, on a night marked by tensions and accusations, the Inter coach appeared before the microphones with a serenity that surprised everyone.

It wasn't a constructed calm, born from some "locker room chamomile," but an authentic attitude. Those who know him well know he's always been like this: reflective, balanced, never prone to victimhood.

Even as a player, even in the most difficult moments – like the famous 2011 episode in Bari-Inter – Chivu always knew how to look within and take responsibility.

The three phrases that tell a different mindset

In the post-match at Maradona, Chivu uttered words that should be reread and fully understood.

Three statements that summarize a sporting and cultural philosophy that we may have forgotten.

On the controversies:

"The club has the right to do what it thinks is right, but as a coach, out of consistency, I will never come here to complain. I have dignity and a different approach than what many are used to."

On the team:

"The players should only focus on playing. We wasted energy arguing with their bench and from there we couldn't maintain clarity. We needed to better understand the moments of the match."

On the football system:

"I'm trying to change things, but for now, I'm fighting alone. We are always used to crying and complaining, but we need to evolve. As long as I'm here, I'll keep trying."

Three simple concepts, but revolutionary in the context of football that thrives on accusations, excuses, and emotional reactions.

A lesson for football and the country

Chivu didn't take a jab at Conte, Marotta, or the referees.

He did something more difficult: he gave a lesson in balance and responsibility to the entire system.

His words weren't an act of surrender, but an invitation to grow, to go beyond the conditioned reflex of complaining. A message that applies to those on the field, to those who comment, and more generally, to a country that often struggles to accept error and complexity.

Starting from here

Perhaps the real revolution in Italian football starts with attitudes like this.

In an environment where shouting pays more than reflecting, Chivu's calm is an act of courage.

It's up to us to decide how to interpret it: as a sermon, or as an opportunity to evolve.

Otherwise, we'll all find ourselves – once again – discussing the next dubious penalty, having learned nothing.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.