Chivu Demands a Fiercer Inter: More Fouls, Aggression, and Midfielder Support to Elevate Calhanoglu, Bolstered by Akanji`s Arrival.
On the left, Cristian Chivu, 44 years old, and on the right, Hakan Calhanoglu, 31 years old.
Cristian Chivu is putting an end to intricate plays and elaborate tactics. He envisions a fierce, “dirty” Inter, aiming for a strong comeback against Juventus. Following the defeat to Udinese, he emphasized the need for a more aggressive team, a philosophy echoed by Aleksandar Kolarov. Acknowledging that changing long-standing habits takes time, Chivu is building a team of “assaulters” rather than “weavers,” prioritizing aggression, pressing, and direct play. For Chivu, ball possession is a false myth; victory can be achieved through sudden attacks and collective effort, as he demonstrated in a Parma-Juventus match where, despite fewer resources, his team triumphed through sheer spirit. Attitude, he believes, can sometimes bridge the gap in quality.
Positive Developments
Chivu will also highlight the positive aspects observed in the first two league matches, such as the increase in fouls. Under Simone Inzaghi last season, Inter ranked fifth from bottom in fouls with an average of 11 per game. However, against Torino and Udinese, the team committed 31 fouls (15.5 per game), climbing to fifth place in Serie A. Chivu sees this as an encouraging sign, indicating that players are attempting to apply his principles: winning the ball back higher up the pitch without fearing systemic imbalances. This aggressive approach has, at times, led to defensive vulnerabilities, but it`s part of a transitional and experimental phase. Chivu is optimistic that once the tactical mechanisms are refined, Inter will be better equipped to leverage its qualities and advance more quickly towards the opponent`s goal.
Reinforcements
An aggressive style of play naturally demands players with such an inclination. This is precisely why Manuel Akanji was signed; Chivu views him as a more proactive defender than Bisseck, ready to challenge opponents rather than retreating. Akanji will be deployed on the right side of defense to contain Yildiz and cover for any defensive lapses from Dumfries (who recently scored for the Netherlands). Simultaneously, midfielders like Barella and potentially Sucic, who excelled against Torino, will be tasked with stifling Juventus` playmakers. The key to unlocking Inter`s attack, however, lies with Hakan Calhanoglu. After accumulating minutes with the Turkish national team, he is expected to return to Appiano in prime condition. His ability to dictate tempo and unleash the two forwards with incisive through balls is reason enough to secure his place in the starting lineup.
Confidence in the Project
Marotta and the entire club fully support Chivu`s fervent pursuit of change. The upcoming schedule is demanding, with crucial matches against Juventus and Ajax. However, Inter is described as “an open construction site,” ready to confront its challenges head-on. It`s too early to abandon such an intriguing project, akin to closing a captivating book on its second page.
