Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Tuesday, 04 November 2025, 08:24 / Updated Tuesday, 04 November 2025 08:25
Former Italian international Antonio Cassano (43) is a big fan of “Cristi Chivu”. He believes that Inter's Romanian technician is “a coach of a great team”.
Antonio Cassano has worked with top coaches throughout his career at AS Roma, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter, among others, so it is not difficult for him to assess the potential of a new generation technician. And for the former Italian international, Cristi Chivu is even part of the gallery of those destined to prepare big teams.
Antonio Cassano: “If you haven't seen Verona – Inter, listen to Cristi Chivu's analysis”
On Monday night among the guests of the show “Viva El Futbol”, Cassano analyzed Inter's victory in Verona (2-1): “Inter did not deserve to win. They scored a wonderful goal and benefited from a mistake. Verona deserved a draw, but if you win these games and get within a point of Napoli, it's scary“.
Cassano then made references to Chivu. “If anyone hasn't seen Verona-Inter, listen to Chivu's analysis. Make no mistake, I like to listen to him. Chivu is a coach for big teams, his mark is obvious. He is credible, even if he was only on the bench a few times”, praised the former great striker.
Cristi Chivu: “Matches are not always won by playing nicely”
After 2-1 with Verona, which was decided by a deflected ball, late in the game, Chivu had said: “We always have an obligation to give the best version of ourselves on the pitch on the day. We always have to add something. After the 2-1 goal, I can say we did that. Matches are not always won by playing beautifully.
Accept that sometimes you might lose. A few of their counterattacks froze my blood and forced me to change my strategy. When you can't win, maybe you even settle for a draw, but we did well to win in the last minutes”.
Chivu also commented with humor on the fact that Inter ended with fewer fouls (4) than the hosts (15): “I didn't catch them at all… (no- laughs). They have speed and intensity, we knew what Hellas' strengths are. They have quality players in attack, robust and technical in midfield. Sometimes that's the game. I won't tell you that we're coming after the fifth game in ten days, there's no point, I'm not looking for alibis”.
