As the 2025-26 Serie A season looms, all eyes in Milan — and indeed across the football world — are firmly fixed on San Siro. A significant managerial baton has been passed, ushering in a new era for Internazionale. After years of guiding the Nerazzurri to a Scudetto, multiple Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana titles, and two Champions League finals, Simone Inzaghi has departed, leaving behind a monumental legacy. Stepping into these rather large, championship-winning shoes is none other than Christian Chivu, a former Inter player himself, who now faces the challenging, yet exhilarating, task of building upon past successes.
The Chivu Imperative: Navigating a Legacy and Forging a Future
Chivu`s tenure technically began with the FIFA Club World Cup, where he guided the team to the Round of 16. However, the true test begins now, in the relentless grind of Serie A. The club`s management, seemingly aware of the immense pressure and the need for immediate impact, has opened the purse strings, delivering a transfer market unlike what fans have seen in years. This influx of fresh talent isn`t just about bolstering the squad; it`s a clear statement of intent.
The new faces are already generating considerable buzz. From Parma, Inter secured Ange-Yoan Bonny, a forward known for his finishing and team play, who seems poised to adapt quickly to the tactical demands of Italian football. Joining him is Luis Henrique from Marseille, adding pace and flair on the flanks. Perhaps most intriguing is the Croatian midfielder, Petar Sucic, who has already made a positive impression, hinting at a significant role in the squad`s dynamics. Whispers of further acquisitions, including Atalanta`s Ademola Lookman, continue to circulate, keeping the Nerazzurri faithful on the edge of their seats.
Beyond the high-profile signings, Chivu can also welcome back Pio Esposito, a young striker who flourished during two seasons in Serie B with Spezia, netting 19 goals and providing 3 assists. Esposito, a formidable presence in the box, brings both height and a keen eye for goal, making him a valuable asset, especially given Chivu`s previous experience coaching him in Inter`s Primavera (youth) setup. His immediate impact, scoring in his first Club World Cup start against River Plate, has only amplified expectations.
Core Strength: The Established Pillars
While new arrivals often grab headlines, the backbone of Inter`s success remains in its established stars. In goal, Yann Sommer is expected to continue his reliable form, a crucial last line of defense. In the wide defensive roles, Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco are indispensable. Dumfries, with 7 goals and 2 assists last season, and Dimarco, contributing 4 goals and 7 key passes, offer attacking output often associated with forwards, despite being listed as defenders – a fantasy football dream, but also a tactical advantage for Chivu.
The midfield maestro, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, is set for an intriguing role under Chivu. Speculation suggests a more advanced, trequartista position, which could unlock even more of his creative potential. Already a set-piece specialist, handling free-kicks, corners, and penalties, Çalhanoğlu`s influence is undeniable.
Upfront, the focus is squarely on Lautaro Martínez. After a campaign that saw him net 12 goals and provide 3 assists – a respectable tally for most, but “below expectations” for a player of his caliber – the Argentine is reportedly training with fierce determination to regain his prolific form and reclaim the Serie A top scorer title. His drive will be critical to Inter`s aspirations.
The Unexpected: Emerging Talents and Tactical Wildcards
Beyond the obvious starters, Inter`s squad boasts several players who could become breakout stars under Chivu`s guidance:
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Petar Sucic: The Midfield Dynamo
Despite starting lower in the pecking order, Croatian talent Petar Sucic possesses the quality to carve out significant playing time. His impressive performances in the Club World Cup and immediate positive integration into the team highlight his potential. With 7 goals and 3 assists for Dinamo Zagreb last year across all competitions, he offers both creativity and a goal threat from midfield.
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Nicola Zalewski: The Versatility Asset
Signed from Roma, Nicola Zalewski is the ultimate tactical Swiss Army knife for Chivu. Capable of playing as a mezzala (central midfielder), a wide midfielder, or an attacking midfielder, his versatility makes him an invaluable asset. In his initial 11 appearances for Inter, the Polish international quickly demonstrated his impact, providing a crucial assist in the Milan derby and scoring a superb goal against Torino. His ability to adapt to various roles provides Chivu with significant strategic flexibility.
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Pio Esposito: The Young Striking Hope
As mentioned, Pio Esposito is more than just a promising youth player. His impressive goalscoring record in Serie B (19 goals) signals a readiness for the top flight. Chivu`s familiarity with him from their Primavera days ensures a smooth transition. Esposito`s presence adds a different dimension to Inter`s attack, and his confident Club World Cup debut suggests he`s not one to shy away from big occasions.
Tactical Blueprint and Set-Piece Authority
Chivu`s probable formation for the 2025-26 season is a familiar 3-4-1-2:
Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Frattesi, Dimarco; Calhanoglu; Lautaro, Thuram.
This setup emphasizes strong wing-backs, a creative attacking midfielder, and a potent two-man strike force, aiming for balance between defensive solidity and offensive firepower.
When it comes to crucial moments from the spot, Inter has a clear hierarchy for penalty kicks: Hakan Çalhanoğlu leads the charge, followed by Kristjan Asllani, and finally, Lautaro Martínez. This ensures multiple reliable options for high-pressure situations.
The Road Ahead
The 2025-26 season promises to be a fascinating one for Inter Milan. With Christian Chivu at the helm, a strong core of experienced players, and a fresh wave of exciting new talents, the Nerazzurri are well-equipped to challenge for top honors. The legacy of Simone Inzaghi casts a long shadow, but Chivu, with his deep understanding of the club and a clear vision, is poised to write Inter`s next successful chapter. The question isn`t whether they will compete, but how spectacularly they will do so.