Inter’s strengths and Achilles’ heel under Chivu as they prepare for Atalanta
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, and Yann Aurel Bisseck of Internazionale share a moment after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Inter is set to compete against Atalanta on December 28, and Richard Hall evaluates where the Benamata has progressed and what areas need attention ahead of another significant clash. In the shadow of the Madonnina, transformation seldom whispers; more often than not, it roars. For three seasons, Simone Inzaghi led a sleek, harmonious orchestra at San Siro, one that emphasized the elegance of transitions and the almost instinctive synergy of a seasoned core. However, as we embrace the chilly light of December 2025, the Nerazzurri are adjusting to a new, possibly more frantic, tempo under Cristian Chivu. The shift from Inzaghi to the Romanian has been less of a revolution and more of a recalibration, but the mechanisms are rotating in surprising ways. Inzaghi’s Inter was an exhibition of controlled chaos. His 3-5-2 formed a safety net for supporters—an arrangement where the wing-backs, Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries, were not merely outlets but key architects. It epitomized “Inzaghiball”: deep-lying playmaking, drawing pressure, and then slicing through rivals like a hot knife through butter. Chivu, moving up from the Primavera (following a period at Parma) with the weight of his own treble-winning legacy upon him, has retained the 3-5-2 framework but has altered its components. Where Inzaghi demonstrated pragmatism, Chivu is bold—arguably to his detriment. The most striking distinction is in the defensive line. Inzaghi was comfortable allowing the veteran trio to drop deep, relying on their positioning to eliminate threats. Chivu has advanced the line ten yards further up the pitch. He aims for a “vertical” Inter, one that constricts the opposition in their own territory.
The High PressVERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Petar Sucic of FC Internazionale during the Serie A encounter between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Under Chivu, Inter are pressing with an intensity not witnessed since the early Conte era. The inclusion of Petar Sučić in the midfield has made this possible; the young player brings a “bite” that the aging legs of Mkhitaryan sometimes lack. The Risk Factor This advanced line has transformed Yann Sommer (and occasionally Josep Martínez) into a makeshift sweeper. When executed properly, it resembles a blue-and-black swarm. When it falters—as noted in the rough defeats against Udinese and Juventus earlier this season—it leaves the center-backs vulnerable in one-on-one foot races they simply cannot win. The greatest advantage of Chivu’s regime is the embrace of youth. While Inzaghi often faced criticism for his loyalty to an “Old Guard,” Chivu has been “coraggioso,” courageous. Pio Esposito & BonnyMILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 03: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale Milano revels in scoring his team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia round of 16 match against Venezia FC at San Siro Stadium on December 03, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The rise of Francesco Pio Esposito and the arrival of Ange-Yoan Bonny have introduced a physical, unpredictable element to the attack. They not only connect plays; they also create disruptions. Interestingly, Lautaro Martínez appears to have regained his momentum. While he was the focal figure under Inzaghi, he now has greater freedom in his role. With Sučić and Barella advancing higher to reclaim the ball, Lautaro is receiving it closer to the goal instead of retreating to the center circle to assist in building play. However, the Nerazzurri in me remain concerned about the essence of this team’s defense. The statistics reveal a harsh truth: Inter are conceding more goals per game than during any point in Inzaghi’s reign.
The Rest DefenceMILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 09: Ibrahima Konate’ of Liverpool FC tallies a disallowed goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The team’s structure while in possession currently represents Chivu’s Achilles’ heel. By committing a significant number of players forward, especially the wing-backs and Alessandro Bastoni (who Chivu permits to venture even further than Inzaghi did), Inter appears highly vulnerable to counter-attacks. The defeat against Milan in the Derby illustrated this perfectly; a single misplaced pass in the final third triggered a vertical sprint that left the Inter defense resembling statues. Is Chivu the right fit? He undoubtedly embodies the “Inter” spirit. He comprehends the club’s DNA, and his readiness to bench seasoned stars in favor of tactical discipline is a refreshing change. He has made Inter more thrilling, but markedly less secure. Inzaghi provided us with trophies and a sense of “inevitability.” Chivu is offering us a rollercoaster experience. As we approach the winter break, the Nerazzurri find themselves within striking distance of the top, but the defensive vulnerabilities imply that if they don’t strike a balance between Chivu’s high-pressing philosophy and Inzaghi’s structural discipline, the Scudetto might remain an elusive dream. The romantic in me appreciates the audacity; the critic in me fears the gaps behind the back three. San Siro looks forward to the second half of this experiment with great anticipation. @RichHall80
Published: 2025-12-26 16:00:00
source: football-italia.net
