How Inter Milan Coach Chivu Tweaked Groundwork Laid By Inzaghi | OneFootball

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has built on the groundwork laid by former coach Simone Inzaghi, rather than completely starting over.

This comes via a lengthy analysis in today’s edition of the Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who have criticised the new coach for being too similar to his predecessor.

The Gazzetta describe Chivu’s solutions as being “still too Inzaghi-esque”.

The analysis notes that there are some differences, with Inter “reducing the long build-up play from the back orchestrated by Sommer.”

However, they add that it has been reduced “but not abolished.”

Chivu Tactics Mirror Inzaghi At Inter Milan

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)

One difference between the ‘two Inters’ is the defensive line.

Chivu’s line of engagement starts on average around 44 metres, further up than Inzaghi’s 51 metre average.

However, the rest is too similar in the Gazzetta’s eyes.

Despite initially playing around with a 3-4-2-1 formation, with two playmakers behind a lone striker, Chivu reverted back to the 3-5-2.

This means the Romanian coach has to set up his midfield a near-identical manner to that of his predecessor.

The only difference is that the wing-backs tend to reach the byline less often.

Gazzetta note Chivu’s reluctance to lean on his new signings.

Instead the new coach is relying on the old guard from the Inzaghi days.

“Sucic was dropped after two matches,” the outlet note, “Diouf was only given 11 minutes against Torino and nothing more.

“Pio Esposito would not have started against Ajax if Lautaro had not suffered back pain.”

Finally, Gazzetta note that the club still are missing players capable of beating their man.

They highlighted the failed summer pursuit of Ademola Lookman as a missed opportunity.