Inter Milan Vice-President Zanetti Declares ‘We’re Starting Again Enthusiastically With Chivu’ | OneFootball

Javier Zanetti says that Inter Milan are “starting again enthusiastically” with new coach Cristian Chivu this season.

The Nerazzurri coach spoke to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInterNews, after today’s Champions League league phase draw.

Inter Milan learned who their first eight opponents in the Champions League will be today.

Among the most high profile teams that the Nerazzurri have drawn are Liverpool, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid.

Last season, Inter had the best defensive record in the entire league phase. They managed to go the entire eight matches conceding only one goal.

This time out, there have been big changes at Inter, though. The Nerazzurri have lost coach Simone Inzaghi, with Cristian Chivu coming in to replace him.

This will be the Romanian’s first time coaching in the Champions League.

Zanetti: “Inter Starting Again Enthusiastically” With Cristian Chivu

MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 12: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Pre-season Friendly match between AC Monza and FC Internazionale at U-Power Stadium on August 12, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter Vice-President Javier Zanetti commented that “we’re starting again enthusiastically now.”

“We have a new coach, and a new path,” he said.

“We remember, yes, that reaching the final was a great achievement,” Zanetti said. “Even if unfortunately, it went badly.”

“But we have to keep looking forward. Football teachers us that there are always new goals.”

“This is a new season in this competition that we love,” declared the Nerazzurri Vice-President. “And we’ll try to honour it as we always have, and get back to the final.”

“We know that it will be hard,” Zanetti said. “But the goal is always to go all the way.”

Then, Zanetti also gave his further thoughts on Chivu. “I know Cristian well,” he said. “He was an extraordinary teammate, both on and off the pitch.”

‘You could tell, from his intelligence, that he could go on this path he’s on.”

“He started coaching with our youth academy,” said Zanetti. “And now he has a great opportunity.”

“And then it also depends on us,” added the Inter Vice-President. “We have to support him in everything he does, and try to give him everything that he needs to have a great season, in both Italy and Europe.”