Ex West Ham United Striker Lauds Inter Milan Changes Under New Manager: “He Is Changing More Than People Are Saying” | OneFootball

Paolo Di Canio has given Cristian Chivu credit for making drastic changes at Inter Milan after replacing Simone Inzaghi.

Speaking to La Stampa via FCinter1908, Di Canio hailed Chivu’s early work at San Siro.

Though Inter’s season has been off to a mixed start, there’s a positive vibe around Giuseppe Meazza.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri tore Torino to pieces on the opening Serie A weekend, claiming a 5-0 victory.

However, Udinese spoiled Chivu’s second league game in charge.

Despite facing long odds, the Friulian club pulled off a stunning 2-1 win on Inter’s home ground.

Therefore, September’s international break came at an opportune moment for the 20-time Italian champions.

Cristian Chivu has had a fortnight to rally his troops and prepare for a mouth-watering clash against Juventus.

Taking three points in Turin would be a statement of intent.

Yet, it could prove easier said than done, especially given Inter’s poor track record at the Allianz Stadium.

Paolo Di Canio Hails Cristian Chivu Work at Inter Milan

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Despite handing over the mantle to Napoli, Di Canio views the Nerazzurri as strong title contenders this season.

Indeed, the former West Ham United striker believes Chivu can inspire Inter’s resurgence in his first season at the club.

“They need to find hunger again,” he said. “In last season’s decisive games, they lacked it.

“They took heavy blows in derbies, against Juve, against Lazio. They did well in the Champions League because players motivate themselves there.

“However, in Serie A they lacked rage. Chivu is changing more than people say.

“He’s asking for more vertical play, and that’s right. He has players who can run and attack the spaces. Now he needs the players’ willingness.

“Some say something is still missing, but in the end, they signed players in all roles.

“Diouf and Sucic are young but with international experience, Pio Esposito -who is a beast -and Bonny are real strikers, and Akanji was the best available solution after Pavard.”

“A real match, but it depends on how the players come back from the internationals.”