Chivu’s Tactical Changes At Inter Milan Promising – But Physical Condition Still Sorely Lacking At FIFA Club World Cup

Tactical changes from Cristian Chivu at Inter Milan are promising, but physical condition is still sorely lacking at the Club World Cup.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Cristian Chivu took charge of his first match as Inter Milan coach against Monterrey this week.

The Nerazzurri’s Club World Cup group stage opener saw them line up in a very familiar 3-5-2 shape.

However, that does not mean that Chivu did not make some tweaks to the team.

In particular, the midfield looked to be working a bit differently than it had under Simone Inzaghi.

Chivu looked to provide more support to the forward line. Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and then Nicola Zalewski, played very attacking roles in the central trio.

Moreover, Inter experimented with 3-4-1-2 and 3-4-2-1 shapes in the second half.

Chivu Tactical Changes Promising At Inter – But Physical Condition Still Lackin

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 11: Head coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale Milano after disembarking at Los Angeles International Airport for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

As the Gazzetta note, however, it was still clear to see that Inter Milan are struggling to put the long season behind them.

The Nerazzurri played their sixtieth match of the campaign against Monterrey. And that was evident in a lot of the players’ legs.

This is a problem for Chivu particularly considering his apparent desire to see the team press higher.

The Romanian tactician is relying more on the team being aggressive when they lose the ball. One midfielder at least steps higher than the two-man united behind him. And there is more man-to-man marking.

That type of defensive intensity requires a lot of energy and athleticism. Something in somewhat short supply for Inter at the moment.

Meanwhile, on set pieces there are also mixed signs.

The opening goal by Monterrey exposed Inter’s lack of familiarity with the zonal marking that Chivu wants them to transition to.

But on the other hand, the Lautaro Martinez’s equalizer for the Nerazzurri showed that Cristian Chivu may have a few new tricks up his sleeve in terms of free kick routines.