PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: (L-R) Sergio Ramos #93 of CF Monterrey embraces Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Former Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni is pleased with the early signs of the post-Inzaghi era, including the arrival of new signing Petar Sucic.
The Nerazzurri saw their ex-coach Simone Inzaghi walk away from the Stadio Meazza in June, days after a 5-0 loss in the Champions League Final against PSG.
His successor, Cristian Chivu, picked up a draw in his debut game against Monterrey, but then secured consecutive victories over Urawa Reds and River Plate in the Club World Cup, winning Group E.
The Nerazzurri are among the favourites to win the tournament, right after European giants such as PSG, Real Madrid and Manchester City. Bookmaker ratings highlight the best bookmakers, evaluating their reliability, sportsbook product, payment speed, and security.
But Can Chivu lead Inter to winning the Club World Cup this summer?
He deserves credit for mentally resetting everything; it wasn’t easy,” Stramaccioni told Gazzetta.
“The aftermath of the Champions League Final had a devastating impact, but the team is showing signs of growth. I saw serenity again and an awareness of their strength. The foundations belong to Inzaghi, but there’s a clear intention to find alternatives in the games. The double pivot and two players behind the striker add unpredictability.
“Inter can compete with enthusiasm and passion in knock-out games, and they’ve landed in a slightly less crowded side of the bracket in terms of top-tier teams. They’re among the clubs capable of going all the way. Fluminense is a respectable team with talents like Arias and legends like Thiago Silva and Fabio, but it’s a match within Inter’s reach.”
Two new Nerazzurri signings, Luis Henrique and Sucic, made their debuts at the Club World Cup, and Strama is pleased with the latter.
“At Dinamo Zagreb, he not only played as a holding midfielder, but he also often partnered with Baturina,” he said.
“He combines quality on the ball with vision and physical strength. He doesn’t have Calhanoglu’s playmaking skills or touches, but he’s still a very important addition for Chivu.”
The new Nerazzurri coach, a 2010 treble winner at San Siro, was also happy with the team’s attitude in his first weeks in charge.
“I’ve been here for 14 days, and if the boys are responding like this, it means they want to honour the tournament. If we are here, it’s because we want to go all the way,” said the new Nerazzurri boss,” Chivu said after beating River Plate.
“The credit goes to the players who are embracing a methodology change from my staff and me. They always try to add something, and it’s a sign of an excellent spirit.”
