Cristi Chivu, surprise appearance at the Inter-Milan derby: why did the Romanian technician paint his face

Cristi Chivu caught all eyes at the “Derby della Madonnina” and the detail on his face was no accident. The Romanian coach appeared with a red spot on his cheek at the Inter – AC Milan duel in the 12th round.

Cristi Chivu appeared at the derby painted on her face PHOTO Getty Images

Chivu's side hosted rivals AC Milan in one of the most intense matches of the season, but beyond the tension on the pitch, another important message was delivered from the sidelines.

Tackling domestic violence and supporting victims

Cristi Chivu, like all the Serie A players and officials this weekend, wore a red mark on his face as part of the “Un Rosso alla Violenza” campaign, an initiative dedicated to combating domestic violence and supporting victims.

The campaign, now in its 9th season, is one of the most visible social actions in Italian football and aims to raise awareness of physical and psychological abuse of women.

Chivu naturally joined this effort, and his image, captured on the edge with the red spot, sent a strong message of solidarity.

Cristi Chivu's gesture was immediately noticed and appreciated, especially since it comes at a time when the Romanian coach is on a constant rise and receives more and more praise from his former colleagues and the media in Italy.

“Derby della Madonnina”

At the derby between Inter and Milan, Cristi Chivu spoke not only through tactics, but also through a social message that deserves all the attention.

“Serie A renews its commitment to support victims of violence and once again stands with them in the fight against all forms of violence and abuse against women.

The red mark that will be painted on the faces of players and referees is not only a symbol, but testifies to the league's desire to maintain attention on an unacceptable phenomenon in today's society”, said Ezio Simonelli, president of Serie A, quoted by football-italia.net.