Coach Chivu makes a special reform for Inter before the round of 16 against Fluminense “first will concern the owner of the captain’s band” !!
Inter are experiencing a profound transformation under the guidance of the new coach Cristian Chivu, in view of the crucial challenge of the round of 16 of UEFA Champions League against Fluminense. The former Inter defender, who took on the team’s guide in the summer of 2025, wasted no time in remodeling the identity, tactics and team leadership structure. At the center of this ambitious transformation there is a courageous decision concerning the captain’s range, a move that has aroused a heated debate between fans and commentators. “First of all, it is the captain’s range,” Chivu said in a recent press conference, underlining that his vision for Inter begins with the redefinition of his leadership nucleus.
The appointment of Chivu has marked a turning point for Inter, a club with a glorious story but which in recent years has had to face difficulties in maintaining continuity on the European scene. After a fluctuating season in Serie A 2024-25 under the guidance of Simone Inzaghi, the club opted for a new approach, relying on Chivu, whose reputation as a tactically cunning and disciplined leader during his career made him a winning choice. His first mandate was characterized by the commitment for a more dynamic, aggressive and oriented to young playing style. Drawing inspiration from the pressing systems of modern football, Chivu introduced a philosophy that emphasizes verticality, high intensity pressing and risk propensity, in marked contrast to the most measured approach of its predecessor.
The most striking aspect of the Chivu reform is his decision to review the captain’s band. For years, the band has been a symbol of stability, often worn by long -standing players such as Federico Dimarco or by pillars such as Lautaro Martinez. However, Chivu has mentioned a surprising change, suggesting that the captain’s band will be assigned on the basis of merit, leadership and alignment with his tactical vision rather than the seniority of service. Sources close to the club indicate that Davide Frattesi, the dynamic midfielder who prospered with Chivu’s high pressing system, is one of the main candidates to take on the role. This move would mark a new era, which favors energy and adaptability compared to tradition. “The captain must embody what we represent on the pitch,” said Chivu, leaving the fans to speculate on the potential putting by established figures. In addition to the captain’s band, Chivu’s revision extends to the tactical setting of the team. His philosophy, described by some as a “silent revolution”, focuses on fluidity and versatility.
Unlike Inzaghi’s preference for a rigid hierarchy of owners, Chivu has adopted a rotation policy that offers the younger players opportunities. Talents from the famous Inter nursery, such as the offensive midfielder Mattia Zanotti and the versatile defender Alessandro Fontanarosa, have been integrated into the training of the first team, with Chivu underlining that no player is guaranteed a owner. Even veterans like Dimarco and Francesco Acerbi, once considered untouchable, now face Chivu’s competition, who is remodeling the team hierarchy.
This approach is particularly significant in view of the challenge against Fluminense, the Brazilian team known for his talent and offensive skill. Chivu’s tactical adjustments are designed to counter the strengths of the Fluminense, in particular his ability to exploit the spaces in transition. The new High pressing system of Inter aims to stop the rhythm of the Fluminense in advance, forcing lost balls in dangerous areas. Chivu also emphasized the defensive discipline, encouraging his players to accept tactical fouls to stop the game when necessary: a pragmatic change that reflects his understanding of the needs of modern football.
The influence of the Romanian coach is also evident in the team training regime. The reports from the training camp of Appiano Gentile of Inter describes an intense and attentive environment to the details, in which the players are trained in the position game and in decision -making speed. Chivu’s pragmatic approach received praise from the team, with the midfielder Nicolò Barella who observed how the coach’s passion is “contagious”. However, the transition has not been without challenges. Some players have struggled to adapt to the growing physical needs of Chivu’s game system, and rumors of discontent have followed among those who were used to guaranteed minutes.
With the approach of the clash with Fluminense, Chivu’s reforms will face their first great test. A victory would validate its bold approach and consolidate its authority as the new leader of Inter. A defeat, however, could intensify attention on its radical changes, in particular on the controversial decision of the captain’s range. For now, the Inter fans are eagerly awaited, anxious to see if Chivu’s vision will be able to bring the Nerazzurri back to the top of European football. With the captain’s armband as a symbolic starting point, Chivu focuses on a new identity to carry on Inter: a courageous, dynamic and without maximum identity identity.
