Legendary Inter Milan Treble Winner Praises Cristian Chivu Appointment: “Best Choice Considering What The Market Had To Offer”

Inter Milan legend Marco Materazzi has hailed the club’s decision to appoint Cristian Chivu as their new head coach.

During his latest interview via FCInter1908, the 2010 treble winner admitted he expects an exciting season in Serie A.

Marco Materazzi for part of Jose Mourinho’s all-conquering side 15 years ago, etching his name in the club’s history.

Interestingly, he shared the locker room with Cristian Chivu, who has recently returned to San Siro in a different capacity.

Indeed, the 49-year-old took over the managerial reins from Simone Inzaghi on the eve of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Despite Inter’s knockout exit, Materazzi believes Chivu is the right choice for the Nerazzurri.

However, the task is nothing short of Herculean as Inter look to bounce back from a highly frustrating season.

According to Materazzi, the Romanian tactician possesses the passion and deep understanding of the club needed to rebuild the team.

Inter Milan Legend Hails Cristian Chivu Appointment

Asked what kind of choice Chivu is, Materazzi had no doubt: “A great one. You all know the relationship I have with Cristian.

“He’s been at Inter for twenty years and knows what it means to be an Interista.

“He’s good, well-prepared, and has shown he can coach, first by doing important groundwork with Inter. And he knows the club inside out.

“In just a few matches at Parma, he showed what he was looking for and knew what the team needed.

“Let’s not forget what he did against Napoli – that draw wasn’t easy, they were fighting for survival, and he achieved it brilliantly.

“He also drew against Inter. He got important results. The opportunity came up.

“A bolt from the blue because not everyone expected Inzaghi to leave.

“The club reacted quickly and brought in Chivu, who, considering what the market offered, was the best choice.”

Expectations for New Season, Koni De Winter, Hakan Calhanoglu & Giovanni Leoni

“An exciting one – everyone is strengthening,” Materazzi replied when asked about his expectations for 2025/26.

“Milan will focus solely on the league, Inter are always Inter.

“But as every year, the favorites remain the team that won the title, so Napoli.”

Then, he continued to talk about Inter and the situation in the dressing room.

“From the outside, I’d say it’s a healthy group.

“It’s normal after 60 games that stress and tension can lead to things happening, but those things should stay inside the locker room.

“I think that when they see each other again, everything will go back to how it was before.

“We mustn’t forget the achievements they’ve reached together, and those give strength for the future.”

Furthermore, he believes Giovanni Leoni has the potential to become one of Serie A’s best defenders.

“If Inter, Milan, and Juve all want Leoni, what do you think – is he ready? I think yes.

“The advantage for Inter is that he was coached by them at Parma, and they both know what to expect from one another.”

In addition to Leoni, Inter are keeping close tabs on Genoa’s Koni De Winter.

Materazzi thinks the Belgian is ready to take his career to the next step.

“I think so,” he responded when asked whether the 23-year-old is good enough for the Nerazzurri.

Finally, he offered his verdict on Hakan Calhanoglu, who could stay at Inter despite Galatasaray’s interest.

“I don’t have Calhanoglu’s phone number, I’ve only seen him once. These are things they obviously manage between themselves.

“I can say that he’s very important for Inter. These matters are handled face to face, and I hope he stays because he’s a champion.

“I hope they can clear the air because what has been built over these years is too important to throw away like this.”