Stramaccioni: Ex-Inter coach assesses Chivu and offers Napoli comparison | OneFootball

Former Inter head coach Andrea Stramaccioni has had his say on Cristian Chivu’s start to the 2025-26 season, has compared the current Nerazzurri squad to that of the reigning Serie A champions, Napoli, and claims that there are four teams in with a chance of winning the Scudetto this season.

The former Nerazzurri tactician spoke in-depth in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Wednesday.

Stramaccioni analyses Inter, Chivu and Serie A title race

The 49-year-old, who took over from Claudio Ranieri as head coach of Inter in 2012, and was replaced by Walter Mazzarri in 2013, has given his opinion on Chivu’s start to the Serie A campaign.

UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 25: Head coach of Udinese Andrea Stramaccioni looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on April 25, 2015 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Dino Panato/Getty Images)

As things stand, the Nerazzurri 10th place after a mixed set of results in the league, which has brought two wins and two draws from matches against Torino, Udinese, Juventus and Sassuolo.

“We’re only on matchday four. Inter have the quality to do so,” Stramaccioni told La Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if Chivu’s side are capable of catching current league leaders Napoli.

“Napoli have returned to Europe this season: An aspect that risks having an affect on the league campaign,” he continued. “The fight doesn’t just include those two this year though, it seems.”

What has Stramaccioni learned from Chivu’s first five competitive matches in charge?

“Inter have played four games (in the league), always looking to build, but are conceding too much.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Marcus Thuram of Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with team mates during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“One of the characteristics that Chivu is trying to bring through is the high press. Calhanoglu is positioned on the opposing playmaker. Inzaghi did this, but only at times. You tend to expose yourself to more risks. To get back to the top, Inter have to rediscover that ferocity in their marking and duels.”

And what has he made of Inter’s business in the transfer window this year?

“Inter have strengthened deeply in terms of their alternative options, especially in midfield and attack. Apart from Akanji replacing Pavard, the others have made the depth of the subs bench stronger, but the starting XI seems fairly set in place to me.”

And how does Inter’s business compare to the reigning champions, Napoli?

“After years where the Nerazzurri have focussed on free transfers, the attention has turned to U23 players, which is the right choice but we will need to have a bit of patience.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Petar Sucic #8 of FC Internazionale Milano passes the ball during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

“Napoli, aside from Kevin De Bruyne, has taken experienced, but future-proof players like Hojlund or Lucca. Numerically, the Azzurri have built a squad that is suitable for both the league and the Champions League.”

And which of the Inter and Napoli players has he been most impressed by?

“Coming into a big team always required a bit of adaptation, but I was impressed with the speed at which De Bruyne and Hojlund fitted in.

“On the Inter side, the only ones who have started are Sucic and Akanji. There’s also Esposito, who deserves a separate mention. I like him a lot and he has all the credentials to be a big surprise.”

As Stramaccioni said earlier, the Scudetto race does not only involve Inter and Napoli this season.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Milan have built a midfield with lots of experience and leadership: It’s solid and difficult to play against. Leao will show that he can play as a centre-forward if needed.

“Juventus are solid, but their attacking department only has one guaranteed name: Yildiz. For the rest, there’s still a bit missing. Gasp is making a huge effort to transform Roma despite not having the ideal attacking specialists to play his game, which is why I think he’ll get time to fully prove his worth.”