Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Monday, April 20, 2026, 7:11 p.m. / Updated Monday, April 20, 2026, 7:12 p.m.
Javier Zanetti (52 years old), Inter's vice-president, has only words of appreciation for the Romanian coach, who is very close to winning the title in Serie A. “The boys have put themselves at his disposal, and he transmits his intelligence, passion and sense of belonging to our colors,” said the great former Argentine midfielder.
Javier Zanetti was with Cristian Chivu from the first day after his transfer from AS Roma in 2007. The all-time leader in attendances in Inter's history called him “a brother of the Treble team”, on the occasion of the launch of the 12th edition of the Pupi Trophy, organized by the Nerazzurri vice-president's foundation.
Zanetti: “The players have made themselves available to Chivu. I am delighted with what he is doing, the final step for the title is missing”
“The foundation has always been committed to social causes, thanks to the support of many former players, including Cambiasso, Paletta, Biglia, Di Napoli, Beppe Signori and others who are happy to participate in the many events and activities,” writes Corriere dello Sport.
Cristi Chivu celebrating a goal with Javier Zanetti, Yuto Nagatomo and Goran Pandev in an Inter match against Genoa in March 2011 / Photo: Imago
Javier Zanetti once again underlined the excellent impact of his former team-mate on Inter's technical bench: “I am delighted with what he is doing. The boys have made themselves available to him and he he conveys his intelligence, passion and sense of belonging to the club's colours. Cristian is top class. We know that the last step for the scudetto is still missing, but we are on the right track”.
The great former Argentine midfielder, nicknamed 'El Tractor', also sent a clear message ahead of the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final with Como on Tuesday at 'Giuseppe Meazza' (in the round it was 0-0).
“Chivu's comeback proved to be a winning formula”
“We also want to win the Coppa Italia. In the second leg with Como we have the chance to reach the final for the other available trophy,” said Zanetti, as quoted by the mentioned newspaper.
Cristi Chivu, at Appiano Gentile, together with the president of Inter, Beppe Marotta / Photo: inter.it
Corriere dello Sport noted that “for Cristian Chivu, trying to establish himself at a big club, where he had already spent many years as a youth player and coach, gave him extra motivation this season, his first season in charge of the Nerazzurri's first team after 13 games in Serie A at Parma.
The fact that he was aware of everything that means Inter helped him in managing the dressing room and in the relationship with a club that he always considered his second family. And his homecoming proved to be a winning formula.”
