Key Takeaways:
- Beppe Marotta last night reaffirmed Inter’s trust in head coach Cristian Chivu
- Chivu’s debut Serie A campaign has seen Inter go nine points clear of Napoli with six matches remaining
- Marotta addressed both Champions League disappointment and the debate over reducing Serie A to 18 clubs
Chivu’s Impactful Debut at the Helm
Inter’s president, Beppe Marotta, has expressed strong support for manager Cristian Chivu, whose appointment last season had surprised many observers due to his limited experience in senior management. Chivu, aged 45, took over from Simone Inzaghi and has swiftly impressed both the club and its supporters during his inaugural full Serie A season.
Under Chivu’s guidance, Inter have surged to the top of the league standings, establishing a commanding nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli with just six fixtures remaining. The Romanian coach is also steering the team towards a potential domestic double, with a crucial Coppa Italia semi-final clash against Como on the horizon. Given this progress, the club are reportedly considering an extension of Chivu’s contract at the close of the campaign.
🚨🔵⚫️ Cristian Chivu will stay at Inter next season and negotiations will continue over new contract.
“He’s obviously staying, he’s gonna be with us again. Chivu is one of the best emerging managers in Europe”, says Inter president Marotta. pic.twitter.com/CZ6KODEVM7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 16, 2026
Endorsement from the Top
Speaking to FCInter1908, Marotta detailed the reasoning behind his faith in Chivu: “Chivu already has a contract, so his confirmation is automatic,” Marotta stated. “We are dealing with a coach who fully matches the profile Inter were looking for, and today he represents a major point of reference.
“The only flaw he could have had was a lack of experience. Now he is gaining that experience week by week, everything else is extremely positive.
“We are happy with this choice; he has repaid it, and today I believe he is one of the best emerging coaches around.”
Champions League Reflections and Ambitions
Marotta then addressed the club’s ambitions on the European front, specifically discussing the 2025 Champions League final and referencing the lingering disappointment from their latest campaign. “It’s not mathematically secured yet either, but I think so. Champions League disappointment? Reaching the final of a competition like the Champions League is a huge achievement.
“Of course, the night in Munich remains in everyone’s minds because there is great disappointment. We need to be able to put it behind us and have a different dream.
“Today, our dream is an important objective that is close, so we must focus on that.”
Seria A Structure Under Scrutiny
The Inter president also weighed in on the ongoing discussion regarding the size of Serie A, advocating for a reduction to 18 clubs. Highlighting sustainability concerns, Marotta stated: “The professional area in Italy has the highest number of clubs and professional teams, with a very high failure rate,” Marotta added. “More than 100 have gone bankrupt in the last 25 years.
“This shows that there is no real sustainability. We are faced with the fact that clubs like Inter or Milan have to meet different kinds of obligations; therefore, having 20 teams means congesting the official schedule.
“If a match had to be suspended due to fog, today we would not even find a date to reschedule it. A 20-team league is not something that can be properly managed or experienced.
“There is fear among smaller and mid-sized clubs about relegation, but these are situations we should address and accommodate in the best possible way.
“I understand the difference between a club like Sassuolo and a club like ours, which generates more than €500 million in revenue.
“We are dealing with a system that requires proper coexistence – a system that needs Sassuolo, Inter, and Milan alike.”
