Ex Juventus & West Ham Striker On Inter Milan Coach Chivu: ‘He’s Not Fabregas, He’s Pragmatic’

Originally posted on SempreInter.com | By Toni Weeler | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 5:24 AM ET

Former striker Paolo Di Canio feels that Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu is defined by having a “pragmatic” approach.

Di Canio gave his thoughts on the Nerazzurri coach at the start of his first Serie A season at the helm on Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews. He contrasted Chivu with Como’s Cesc Fabregas.

Inter Milan turned to Cristian Chivu this summer after Simone Inzaghi departed for Al-Hilal.

In some ways, the 44-year-old was a surprising name. He is still a coach with extremely limited experience in the senior game.

However, on the other hand, Chivu has been a logical choice in terms of his connection with Inter.

The Romanian spent six years as a Nerazzurri player. He also coached at several youth team levels for Inter.

Inter did not only appoint Chivu based on loyalty or nostalgia, though.

The 44-year-old did prove his coaching mettle last season at Parma. He took over the Gialloblu in the midst of a relegation dogfight, and guided them fairly convincingly to safety.

Di Canio: “Cristian Chivu Isn’t Fabregas – He’s Pragmatic”

Inter reportedly were also trying to appoint Como coach Cesc Fabregas.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder would have certainly been a high profile appointment for Inter. However, he also would have come with some risks.

After Chivu’s press conference yesterday, Di Canio commented that “he seemed clear in his communications.”

“He’s not Fabregas,” the former striker continued. “He’s a pragmatist.”

“He has an advantage at this team. He knows the environment, and he has a strong pedigree as a former player.”

Di Canio anticipated that Chivu will be “protected from all angles.”

“But I think that he has clear ideas. Including the ideas of going after Lookman and then taking a step back.”

This article first appeared on SempreInter.com and was syndicated with permission.

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