Legendary West Ham Striker Insists “Inter Milan Have Extra Motivation This Year” | OneFootball

Paolo Di Canio believes Inter Milan have more motivation to win the Scudetto this year than they did last season.

Speaking to Sky Sport via FCInterNews, the former West Ham striker hailed Inter’s improved style and aggressiveness under Cristian Chivu.

Despite lacking experience in senior management, Cristian Chivu is turning Inter’s fortunes around after a disappointing season.

Indeed, Napoli’s win in Serie A and a dismal Champions League defeat left the squad bereft of confidence.

Furthermore, long-serving boss Simone Inzaghi left the club shortly after the Munich fiasco.

Chivu was not the club’s first option to replace the 49-year-old.

However, Cesc Fabregas’ rejection could prove a blessing in disguise, given the Romanian’s impressive start at San Siro.

After a rocky start, Chivu has steadied the ship, turning the Nerazzurri into a force to be reckoned with.

For context, his charges have set a new club record for goals scored in the first eight games of a season.

Therefore, the future looks bright.

Paolo Di Canio Praises Inter Milan After Fifth Consecutive Win

PARMA, ITALY – MAY 18: Cristian Chivu head coach of Parma calcio during the Serie A match between Parma and Napoli at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 18, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

For starters, Di Canio praised Chivu’s tactical approach.

“With this Inter, the worry about a high line with slow and overly flashy players disappears.

“Chivu asked for less flair and more aggression on the pitch, and that’s working very well now.

“Of course, you can’t always be perfect.

“However, this boldness, given the level of Inter, is worth reigniting motivation for a team that has had a very good but not exceptional journey.

“I rarely celebrate processes; I celebrate victories. In the Champions League, they’ve done wonderful things, but in the league, they should have won more.

“Chivu asked for these things – just to speed things up.

“Also, the substitutes perform very well in place of the starters, carrying out the same roles but with different characteristics.”

Then, he insisted Inter will be extra motivated to succeed this term.

“Inter has extra motivation. They have serious professionals.

“When in Como, 2-3 players cried after hearing Napoli’s result, they told themselves, ‘We were idiots.’

“They are serious professionals. The Champions League is a great opportunity, but the league will be competitive.”