Key Takeaways:
- Cristian Chivu signed a new contract with Inter, extending his stay until the summer of 2028
- In his first full season as head coach, Chivu led Inter to both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia in 2025-26
- Chivu became the only individual in Inter’s history to win both Serie A and Coppa Italia in the same season as both player and coach
Contract Extension Rewards Historic Success
Inter have confirmed that Cristian Chivu has put pen to paper on a contract extension that secures his place at the club until 2028, following a highly successful first full campaign at the helm. The Romanian manager, aged 45, guided the Nerazzurri to a glorious double – conquering both the Serie A and the Coppa Italia – in the 2025-26 season. Chivu’s previous contract had been set to expire in the summer of 2027, but Inter have opted to extend his tenure in recognition of his remarkable achievements.
Continuiamo a scrivere la 𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖 storia insieme ✍️🖤💙 pic.twitter.com/6ZDqtgDcav
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) June 18, 2026
A Journey Rooted in Nerazzurri Colours
Chivu’s long-standing association with Inter stretches back to the final seven years of his playing days at San Siro. After retiring, he transitioned to management within the club’s youth system, leading squads at the U14, U17, U18, and Primavera levels before stepping away to manage Parma during the second half of the 2024-25 campaign. He was soon recalled to Inter after Simone Inzaghi’s departure at the end of that season, taking over the senior side and immediately etching his name into club folklore.
Historic Achievements and Record-Breaking Season
Upon assuming the managerial reins on 9 June 2025, Chivu oversaw 58 matches in an intense and unforgettable season. Under his guidance, Inter clinched their 21st Scudetto and their tenth Coppa Italia title, a feat that also earned him the 2025/26 Serie A Coach of the Season accolade. His impact transcended tactical acumen, fostering a sense of pride, loyalty, and unity that permeated the squad.
Chivu’s humility and leadership were evident throughout the title celebrations, including the Coppa Italia podium in Rome, where he gave the spotlight to his players, and the Serie A trophy presentation at San Siro, where he had to be encouraged by captain Lautaro Martinez to join in lifting the silverware. The squad’s response underlines his role as a respected leader and driving force for success.
Inter and Chivu: Making History Together
This past season, Chivu became only the second individual in Inter history to win the Scudetto as both a player and a coach, emulating Armando Castellazzi’s achievement in 1937/38. He also joined an exclusive group as the fifth Inter boss to win Serie A in his debut season, alongside Árpad Weisz, Alfredo Foni, Giovanni Invernizzi, and Jose Mourinho. Notably, Chivu is the second coach to claim the league title with both the Primavera—achieved in 2022—and the senior team, following Giovanni Invernizzi, and is the first to win the Scudetto during all his tenures at Inter. By also lifting the Coppa Italia, Chivu became the sole figure in club annals to capture both trophies as both player and coach within a single campaign.
Inter’s Ambitions for the Future
With new challenges on the horizon, including renewed pursuits for domestic and European honours, Inter are poised to build upon the foundations Chivu has established. The club has expressed its pride and satisfaction with Chivu’s leadership, describing his journey as “truly unique” and his passion for Inter as a driving force behind their success. As the Nerazzurri look ahead to upcoming campaigns in the Champions League, Serie A, Coppa Italia and the Italian Super Cup, the renewed partnership with Chivu is set to be central to their ambitions.
