Inter Milan Legend Zenga: New Manager Chivu is a Hybrid of Guardiola and Mourinho

Zenga on Chivu: A Tactical Fusion

Walter Zenga, the iconic Inter Milan goalkeeper turned pundit, didn’t hold back in his recent assessment of Cristian Chivu’s appointment as Inter’s new manager. According to Zenga, Chivu represents a fascinating blend of two of football’s most polarizing managerial minds: Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho.

“He’s studied under both philosophies,” Zenga noted during an event hosted by La Gazzetta dello Sport. “From Guardiola, he’s taken the emphasis on possession and fluidity; from Mourinho, the pragmatism and defensive solidity. It’s a rare combination.”

Champions League Final: A Case of Missed Opportunities?

Zenga also reflected on Inter’s Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain, calling it a match where “the lack of execution was glaring.” He pointed out PSG’s relaxed approach—“15 minutes of warm-up after a 15-day break”—as a contrast to Inter’s visibly strained preparations.

Inzaghi’s Exit and the Fine Margins of Football

The conversation shifted to Simone Inzaghi’s departure, which Zenga saw as inevitable regardless of the final’s outcome. “People blame [Ionut] Radu’s error for losing the Scudetto,” he said, “but forget Marko Arnautović’s open-goal miss against Monza. One moment changes everything.”

Napoli: Still the Team to Beat

Despite Inter’s ambitions, Zenga tipped Napoli as Serie A favorites. “They’re defending champions,” he shrugged. “That alone makes them contenders, especially with their transfer activity already underway.”

Final Thoughts: The Unpredictability of Football

Zenga wrapped up with his trademark dry humor: “As for the Club World Cup? I wouldn’t wake up at 3 AM for it.”

What do you think of Chivu’s potential at Inter? Can he balance Guardiola’s artistry with Mourinho’s grit? Share your thoughts below!