Italian
The scudetto won by Inter on Sunday at Meazza cannot be separated from its coach, Cristian Chivu, born in 1980, a man who has won the treble and in the meantime seems to have taken one of those winning paths
That he had a decisive demeanor is understood when looking back, when at just 21 years old Ronald Koeman handed him the captain’s armband of Ajax, and the good Cristian not only accepted it but was also ready to expand his ever-growing showcase by joining the Romanian national team, where he reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2000, eliminated by Italy. But this is just the dawn of a flight to glide, which restarts from Rome, in tandem with Samuel and four alternating years, filled with muscle issues and an ungenerated chemistry, with the only victory being an Italian Cup against Inter. Then comes 2007, where the magical intersection arrives, that with Milan, Inter, and a personal trophy cabinet that is enriched with two consecutive league titles and great football maturity, a modern defender, versatile, with a strong personality even outside the infamous playing field. In short, a man with solid and impressive grit. But never out of the so-called lines. The injury on January 6 against Chievo, however, comes unexpectedly and grumpily. In a clash with Pellissier, Cristian suffers a skull fracture immediately deemed serious, requiring intensive care and subsequent surgery on the same day. But for Chivu, 77 days of recovery and a protective helmet are enough, as he needs to return, almost sensing the glory that will come in spring, with Mourinho and the treble, wearing the starting shirt in the final in Madrid. But of course, someone like him cannot just watch, and while ending his playing career, he dedicates himself to the youth. The first call-up is for the under-14 team, but it’s just a moment before arriving at Primavera, where he wins the title in 2020, almost a prologue to today’s narrative. First, of course, comes the experience in Parma, where he tests and tastes his first bench in Serie A. The rest belongs to the triumph of May 3, 2026, with the championship degree on the first attempt and the Bislerone people, initially hesitant, who acclaim him, with the Madunina and the bauscia with refined palates ready to pay him gratitude and healthy admiration. Inter, the 21, and Chivu, this is also a treble.
Zero Biscuit by Mauro Lama
