Legendary AC Milan & Juventus Manager Questions Tactical Changes Under New Inter Milan Boss: “Inzaghi’s Inter With Him On The Bench” | OneFootball

Fabio Capello has slammed Cristian Chivu, who took Simone Inzaghi’s job at Inter Milan at the beginning of the summer.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, Capello questioned the 44-year-old’s capacity to change Inzaghi’s principles.

Cristian Chivu vowed to help Inter become ‘more flexible’ upon his return to San Siro in June.

Indeed, Simone Inzaghi made the Nerazzurri look predictable, with a well-drilled system that opponents could often anticipate.

Despite lacking experience in top-flight management, Chivu is familiar with the surroundings.

He was part of Jose Mourinho’s side that won the iconic treble in 2010.

Therefore, many expect Chivu to bring fresh ideas while maintaining the club’s winning mentality.

Moreover, his challenge will be to inject creativity and unpredictability into the team without losing the defensive solidity.

However, his Serie A tenure has been off to an unenviable start, with Inter registering partial success in the first four games.

Furthermore, Inter lined up in Inzaghi’s signature 3-5-2 formation in each match.

Fabio Capello Blasts New Inter Milan Manager Cristian Chivu

MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 12: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Pre-season Friendly match between AC Monza and FC Internazionale at U-Power Stadium on August 12, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“For now, we can say we’re seeing Inzaghi’s Inter with Chivu on the bench,” Capello said. “They play instinctively, but it’s very structured.

“They lack a bit of creativity: up front, there’s no one capable of taking on a man. An old problem from the past.”

Then, he recalled Chivu’s playing days at Roma.

“I had him at Roma and know him well,” Capello added. “He was an elegant, alert, and intelligent central defender.

“A natural leader; he spoke little, but everyone listened. Now he needs to gradually introduce something new to differentiate from the previous approach.

“Some Inter players, like Barella, Dumfries, Dimarco, or Calhanoglu, are still below full rhythm.

“When they return to 100%, then Inter can become the team they’ve always been.”

Meanwhile, Capello hailed Chivu’s decision to hand Francesco Pio Esposito consecutive starts in the Champions League and Serie A.

“Exactly, he is an important addition,” he stated. “He has a great future.

“Up front, he can do everything. Against Sassuolo, he held up the ball and created several chances.”