Article by Daniel Scorpie, Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 00:06 / Updated Wednesday, February 25, 2026 00:34
The Italian press criticized Cristi Chivu (45 years old), after what Inter Milan was defeated by Bodo/Glimtscore 1-2, in the Champions League round of 16 play-off, and left the competition.
Inter needed a two-goal win to send the match into overtime, but the Italian vice-champion's performance was far below expectations. The Norwegians also won at San Siro, score 2-1, qualifying for the round of 16.
Immediately after the final whistle, journalists from Italy were harsh with the Romanian team.
What the Italians wrote immediately after Inter were eliminated by Bodo/Glimt: “Total disappointment”
TMW were the first to react and captioned it: “Inter suffer a catastrophe and collapse 1-2 at San Siro, being eliminated by Bodo/Glimt“.
The same publication gave Chivu a 5. The Italians also wrote about the Romanian: “Considering the club's name and prestige, as a Champions League finalist, a return to San Siro was the only option.
Instead, the 3-1 defeat in the first leg weighed heavily on the players' minds. Akanji's gift dashed any remaining hope of staying in Europe. A total disappointment, now only the championship and the Cup remain”.
The Italians described the game of Chivu's team: “An Akanji blunder cost Inter as they lost 2-1 at the San Siro in the second leg of their Champions League play-off. Bastoni's goal was for naught, the disaster became reality and the Italians surprisingly exited Europeremaining with the championship and the Cup as the only objectives.
At the San Siro, Chivu's Inter attempted a comeback after losing 3-1 in the first leg against Bodo/Glimt. The Nerazzurri started strongly, albeit with inaccurate finishing from Pio Esposito, Dimarco and Thuram.
Chivu's side were unlucky and showed a lack of determination in front of goal and Akanji even hit the bar from a corner. It was only for a moment, because with obvious grace and freshness, Bodo/Glimt doubled their lead”.
And Gazzetta dello Sport gave Chivu 5: “Fatigue and tension, rather than bad luck, caused the disaster: the two second halves, in Norway like yesterday, cost them their place in the Champions League.”
Those from fcinternews.it also wrote about the Romanian coach and gave him a score of 5.5: “On the eve of the match, he said that if any team could recover from a 3-1 deficit in the first leg, it was Inter. The reality, however, was completely different, despite an insistent dominance with a lot of missed opportunities.
Inter paid the price for the game in Norway, but there's no point in making excuses. Congratulations to the Norwegians and let's focus on the championship.”
Inter 1908: “When Inter enter the field frantic and restless, it is immediately noticeable. It is that game where they don't even hit the target if the keeper moves aside. And against Bodo, it was exactly that game. He couldn't turn the game around, the team started nervous and stayed nervous.”
