Javier Zanetti, the iconic Inter Milan vice-president and club legend, has offered a heartfelt and insightful review of head coach Cristian Chivu's first season in charge. Speaking at a charity event in Milan, Zanetti didn't just praise Chivu's tactics; he framed him as family, calling him a "brother of the Treble-winning squad" and highlighting the profound sense of club identity the coach is instilling in his players.
As Inter close in on the Serie A title, the mood at the club is one of focused confidence. Zanetti acknowledged the team's strong position, stating, "We are confident... Cristian and the players are doing an extraordinary job. The last step remains." He attributed their league dominance this season to relentless weekly preparation and the squad's unified belief in their manager's philosophy.
The most powerful moment came when discussing Chivu's personal impact. For Zanetti, Chivu's success stems from deep-rooted passion and intelligence. "His sense of belonging to our colours, it is the best thing there is," Zanetti said, emphasizing how that intangible connection is directly translating to performance on the pitch.
Zanetti also touched on the resilience of defender Alessandro Bastoni, who has faced a challenging season. His support was unequivocal: "He is an extraordinary boy... we know his human values and that is the most important thing for us."
Looking ahead, the ambition for a historic league and Coppa Italia double is clear. While acknowledging the challenge posed by a strong Como side in the cup, Zanetti believes it's in Inter's hands: "We have a great opportunity... It depends on us." True to the club's humble DNA, however, he confirmed the celebratory flags remain stored away for now, with the team fully focused on the next match.
