Inter's spectacular opening victory: "Inzaghi's legacy" and Chivu's mark

27/08/2025 08:40:00 esportapi

The 5-0 thrashing of Torino was not just a "five-star" win but also a strong confirmation that Simone Inzaghi’s successful legacy still lives on and is being seamlessly carried forward under new head coach Cristian Chivu.

Early this morning, Chivu became the first Inter coach ever to make his Serie A debut with a five-goal winning margin. This marked a historic achievement.

Silencing doubts, asserting status

Inter entered the season’s first match with many questions. The short preparation time, difficulties in adding players, and especially the sudden change in transfer targets—from chasing an attacking star like Ademola Lookman to quickly signing defensive midfielder Andy Diouf—caused concerns about a directionless transition. Yet, the 90 minutes at San Siro answered everything.

From the opening kickoff, Inter showed great energy and a strong will to win. They quickly took control, continuously pressing the goal of a Torino team that had been tough opponents in the past. Alessandro Bastoni’s precise header in the 18th minute was only the beginning of a goal spree that completely overwhelmed the visitors. This display strongly responded to previous victories by Napoli and Juventus, proving Inter is not only ready but also very eager and strong enough to compete for the championship.

Inzaghi’s legacy in the Chivu era

Scoring five goals was a powerful declaration, but the most remarkable aspect of Inter’s win was the almost perfect continuation of Inzaghi’s legacy, even without the “playmaker” Hakan Calhanoglu due to suspension. Chivu showed wisdom by not dismantling the highly successful foundation but adding his own touches.

The dynamic duo Thuram - Lautaro still shone brightly, making Chivu’s era at Inter start perfectly

The midfield, despite missing its main playmaker, performed excellently. Nicolo Barella played very well as the “regista” replacing Calhanoglu, while newcomer Petar Sucic, in his first Serie A start, delivered a truly classy performance. The Croatian player perfectly took over Barella’s connecting role, assisting Marcus Thuram’s goal to make it 2-0 and winning nine duels. The flexibility and mobility of the midfield trio created a multi-directional threat, leaving opponents completely confused.

The high pressing style and ability to force opponents into mistakes, a hallmark of Inzaghi’s time, continued to be effective. Inter’s intense pressure caused Torino to repeatedly lose possession, and goals by Lautaro Martinez and Ange-Yoan Bonny resulted from such situations. Clearly, Chivu is building his team on an already very solid foundation.

Chivu’s wise strategy

This victory also proved one thing: Inter doesn’t need more attacking reinforcements. The “Thu-La” duo maintained perfect connection and efficiency right from Chivu’s Serie A debut. Thuram, after a disappointing late last season, returned with an impressive brace, while captain Lautaro Martinez contributed a goal and an assist.

More notably, newcomer Bonny scored his first Serie A goal just minutes after coming on as a substitute. The explosive attacking performance fully justified the decisions made by Chivu and the management. They don’t need an expensive Lookman because their current weapons are already very strong. Instead, focusing on reinforcing midfield stability with a suitable signing like Andy Diouf is a smarter strategy.

The “small hand” on opening day wasn’t just 3 points but a statement. Inzaghi’s legacy still exists, now entrusted to a talented and eager new generation under Cristian Chivu’s leadership.

Exactly what’s needed, Bonny!

It took only 5 minutes on the field after replacing Marcus Thuram for young striker Ange-Yoan Bonny to prove he will be very useful to Inter as a strategic substitute, confirming the quality and depth of the squad Chivu is building. He pressured Torino’s goalkeeper and defenders into confusion before decisively finishing a pass from senior Lautaro after Inter regained possession from the opponent’s mistake. That goal sealed the 5-0 victory; while not crucial in the big win, it was very meaningful for the 22-year-old forward personally. It was his first official goal for Inter since moving from Parma.

Bonny’s goal showed he understands exactly what to do and how to do it. Applying pressure to force the opposing defense into errors and perfectly seizing the opportunity is all that Chivu expects from his former pupil. Inter can be fully confident having Bonny as backup for the already strongest “Thu-La” duo in Serie A.

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