Inter Milan sign Inzaghi’s replacement for 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after being snubbed by Cesc Fabregas

Inter Milan found themselves without a head coach just weeks before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, following Simone Inzaghi’s surprising decision to join Saudi side Al Hilal. After being turned down by Como manager Cesc Fabregas, the Italian giants acted swiftly to secure Inzaghi’s replacement.

Inzaghi’s departure came immediately after the UEFA Champions League final, leaving Inter with little time to prepare for the high-stakes tournament. Fabregas, seen as a top candidate due to his impressive work at Como, was quickly ruled out when the club’s president and the former midfielder both rejected Inter’s approach.

“We have communicated our refusal directly to the president of Inter, who has recognized it with the courtesy and clarity that is expected among clubs that have mutual respect. For this reason, we treat rumors insistent on their interest in our coach as pure fantasy — hardly anyone would insist after such a clear answer. Especially a club of the calibre of Inter,” Como president Mirwan Suwarso stated.

Chivu takes over as Inter head coach

With Fabregas out of the picture, Inter named Cristian Chivu as their new head coach on a contract running through 2027. The former Romanian international arrives after a brief stint at Parma, where he managed 13 matches after joining in February 2025.

Chivu is well-known among Inter supporters, remembered for wearing a protective headgear following a serious cranial injury. He spent seven years at the club from 2007 to 2014, winning nine major trophies, including the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League and three Serie A titles.

The Romanian began his coaching career within Inter’s youth academy, starting with the U-16 team in 2018. He climbed the ranks to lead the U-19 side from 2021 to 2024, overseeing 112 matches before accepting the Parma job.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Fabregas was Inter’s top choice, but his rejection forced the club to explore alternative options. With Roberto De Zerbi unavailable and Genoa’s Patrick Vieira also considered, Inter ultimately opted for Chivu. His tactical alignment — favoring the same 3-5-2 formation used by Inzaghi — made for a seamless transition.

While Chivu lacks the top-tier coaching experience Inter initially sought, his deep understanding of the club’s culture and system made him a logical choice. With the Club World Cup just around the corner, familiarity may prove more valuable than pedigree as Inter look to compete on the global stage.