Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Tuesday, May 19, 2026 8:26 p.m. / Updated Tuesday, May 19, 2026 9:21 p.m.
Fabio Capello, Cristi Chivu's former coach at AS Roma, almost constantly highlighted the Romanian's merits in the season in which he won the title and the Italian Cup in his debut season at Inter.
The current Sky Sport and Gazzetta dello Sport pundit concluded after Chivu's dream year: “I think a part of Capello has remained in his way of working”.
The former great coach, aged 79, thus again referred to the period in which he worked with Cristi in Rome (2004-2007), to the first experience in Serie A of the Romanian defender.
The former Romanian international was used by Capello in 29 matches for the Giallorossa team, in which he scored two goals and provided an assist.
Fabio Capello: “Chivu was a smart acquisition by Roma”
Interviewed by Sky Sport, Capello spoke about Chivu as “a player with a special personality, intelligent, not only as a footballer, but also as a person. He knows how to speak and intervene at the right moments, even in the dressing room his words always carried weight.
It was a smart purchase by Roma, and when he left for Inter, Cristian proved me right, just like the Nerazzurri did when they made his transfer. Important for Chivu was the partnership with Samuel. Then they both went to Inter. I made the right choice, they were very good!”.
Cristi Chivu and Walter Samuel were teammates in Inter's defense for seven seasons / Photo: Imago
Fabio Capello made a comparison between Chivu and the Argentine stopper, whom Cristi offered to be an assistant at Inter: “Samuel was much more aggressive and meaner, Chivu was the one who knew how to play.
I told him he had to learn from Samuel, because he could play in midfield with the ball at his feet, but he had to have something more defensively. I think a part of Capello has remained in his way of working”.
