Vieri: ‘Inzaghi did phenomenal job at Inter, we'll see with Chivu'
Christian Vieri insists Simone Inzaghi did 'a phenomenal job' as Inter coach for four years on a minimal budget, so he is keeping an open mind on new boss Cristian Chivu.
Former Italy, Inter, Juventus, Milan and Atletico Madrid striker Vieri sat down with the Italian Football Podcast to discuss the current trends and you can read the rest of his comments here.
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The Nerazzurri ended the season empty-handed and the pain of that 5-0 Champions League Final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain prompted Inzaghi to walk away, starting a new adventure as the manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
'I think it was because of the result of 5-0 [that Inzaghi left Inter Milan]. I didn't think that he was going to leave,' insisted Vieri
'After losing 5-0 I think he said to himself 'you know what? I have no more energy. After losing 5-0 it took all my energy away.' It's one thing to lose 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1, you're in the game, it's ok. But 5-0 is a heavy way to lose. I think it just took all his energy away.
'Him and the club spoke and said 'what should we do?' And from what I heard they spoke in an easy way.'
Vieri stands by Inzaghi record at Inter
MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 30: Simone Inzaghi, Head Coach of FC Internazionale, gives instructions to the players during a FC Internazionale training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 30, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by)
This ending to the adventure has prompted some to re-evaluate what Inzaghi did at Inter, especially considering he only managed to win one Serie A title in those four years.
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However, Vieri is confident that Inzaghi will be remembered fondly by the fans and players.
'I think he has done an amazing job in the last four years. Two times in three years playing in the Final of the Champions League, with the budget that Inter spends. Inter isn't like Real Madrid, PSG, Barcelona, Manchester City or Bayern. They can spend all the money they want.
'We have to look at €5m here or the €2m here. So I think they did a phenomenal job.'
There had been some doubts as to whether the coach would accept the proposal from Al-Hilal, which is reported to be worth €30m per season including add-ons and bonuses.
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It was not until after the 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain that the decision was ultimately made.
'I think the result was very heavy for Simone. In the end I think he just said 'I'm gonna go away, I don't have any more energy to start the season again,' stated Vieri.
'I think that is why he went away, and I am sorry that he went away. I don't like changing coaches. In fact I think that if a club wants to win, you need time. Even if there is no time for anyone, that is how football is now. Clubs change coaches three-four times every year. They go berserk everyone.
'But I think to win and to get the players comfortable, that takes years. So, I am sad that he left. I think he did an amazing job.'
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Former FC Internazionale player Christian Vieri looks on prior to the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by)
Although he has played for numerous clubs in his career, Vieri still identifies with Inter.
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'We won a Scudetto. We could have won this year, a second Scudetto. I think we deserved to win but we missed something. But we played two Champions League finals in three years is amazing for Inter.'
Now former Inter player Chivu has been given the job, starting at the Club World Cup in the USA, after just a few months in charge of Parma.
Vieri is somewhat unconvinced that the ex-defender who was part of the Treble-winning squad in 2010 can make the difference.
'A very, very young coach. Never coached in the Serie A before, only this year in Parma for a couple of months. I think the team is still very strong. Let's see what he can do. He is young. He is going to have his ideas. Let's see what happens.'
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