In-Progress – Chivu’s Transformation From 3-5-2 To High-Pressing 3-4-2-1 Evident In Inter Milanm Behind-Closed-Doors Friendly | OneFootball

The tactical transformation that Cristian Chivu has brought about was evident in Inter Milan’s first behind-closed-doors friendly of the season.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Yesterday Inter Milan played their first friendly match of preseason.

It was just a behind-closed-doors friendly between the senior team and the new Under-23 side.

But this was the first opportunity to see the work from preseason training in action.

Cristian Chivu had already taken charge of four matches at the Club World Cup. Moreover, these were competitive matches rather than friendlies.

But those matches in the US came just a couple weeks after Chivu had arrived.

Therefore, the Romanian had hardly had the chance to really start to change the tactics.

Tactical Transformation Under Chivu Evident As Inter Play Behind-Closed-Doors Friendly

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

However, the Gazzetta note, Inter have now had more time to absorb Chivu’s ideas.

What’s clear is that the 44-year-old wants his players to stay higher up the pitch.

Chivu is intent on making the Nerazzurri faster and more direct. He wants his team to win the ball high up the pitch and then make quick, vertical attacks.

That is a big part of why Chivu wants to switch to a 3-4-2-1 shape that leaves three forwards higher up the pitch.

As the Gazzetta note, Chivu actually lined the senior team up in a 3-5-2 shape from the start yesterday.

However, it was evident that the positioning of the strikers and midfielders was different.

Chivu is still a long way from fully making this Inter team his own on a tactical level. But it’s clear that the transformation is in progress.