Inter Milan 1-0 Lecce – Cristian Chivu Gets Away With Unusual Pre-Match Routine | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu steered his side back to winning ways last night, as the Nerazzurri squeezed past Lecce at San Siro.

According to the Italian media via L’Interista, the 45-year-old coach was nearly punished for his unusual pre-match routine.

Napoli held Inter to a frustrating 2-2 draw last weekend, preventing them from widening the gap at the top of the Serie A table.

However, the Nerazzurri took advantage of Napoli’s home draw against Parma yesterday to extend their lead to six points.

Cristian Chivu Huge Pre-Match Gamble Nearly Backfires in Inter Milan 1-0 Lecce Win

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Cristian Chivu, head coach of Inter, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Keen to avoid burnout, Cristian Chivu decided to give his squad a day off on Tuesday.

Indeed, the former Parma boss did something unheard of in Serie A, skipping the final pre-match training session.

Furthermore, it nearly backfired on Tuesday as Inter had to wait until the 78th minute to break down Lecce’s stubborn defense.