Inter Reset: Development, Recovery, and Resilience After Club World Cup Exit | OneFootball

There were more than just on-field repercussions when Inter returned from the FIFA Club World Cup in June. Players and fans were disappointed by their early June 30 loss to Fluminense, but it also spurred a renewed focus on re-establishing cohesion and resiliency in preparation for the 2025–2026 campaign.

The Club World Cup is a major attraction for fans and sports bettors, with many enthusiasts using platforms that allow betting without Gamstop limits. These betting platforms typically offer relaxed wagering limits, a wider range of betting markets, and competitive odds. Inter entered the tournament as one of the favourites, with odds to win the Club World Cup priced at 11/1. There was a strong expectation for the team to progress through their group stages and into the knockout rounds. However, Inter Milan was eliminated in the round of 16 by Fluminense, causing a significant upset.

Since returning from the US, fitness coach Stefano Rapetti and medical director Piero Volpi have been working nonstop to implement data-driven recovery programs. In addition to an already taxing season, the team had to contend with a jam-packed schedule that included three group games and a round-of-16 match, all squeezed into less than three weeks. The €31.5 million that Inter made from the tournament gives them much-needed financial flexibility. In an effort to bridge the divide between the first team and its ardent supporters, the funds will be used to enhance recovery facilities, increase community outreach, and fortify youth sector development.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Henrikh Mkhitaryan #22 of FC Internazionale Milano clashes with substitutes and Renato Portaluppi, Head Coach of Fluminense FC, on the Fluminense FC bench during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Supporters’ reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with messages of inspiration and introspection saturating social media. Along with team physiotherapists and nutritionist Matteo Pincella, club legend Benito Carbone, who currently coaches the youth team, has been spotted scouting young talent. Ahead of their Serie A debut against Torino in August, their outreach demonstrates the club’s desire to engage with people outside of the pitch, nurturing the next generation, and reaffirming fan loyalty.

Cristian Chivu, the new head coach, utilised the Club World Cup as an opportunity to test new tactics. Although he kept the core of Simone Inziaghi’s system, he made minor positional adjustments and increased the intensity of pressing. His tactics encouraged fullbacks like Carlos Augusto to assume more complex roles when the opportunity arose, despite Davide Fratesi’s injury leaving a gap in the squad.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 30: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Fluminense FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Younger players and new hires alike now use Inter’s preseason as a testing ground. The squad took a short break and then regrouped in waves. Senior players and those who chose not to travel to the US resumed light training at Appiano Gentile on July 2. Later in July, Club World Cup competitors will return. Olympiacos and Monza are the teams’ two confirmed friendlies for August. Promising players, such as Peter Sučić, who made his debut during the tournament, can be gradually incorporated into senior training through this phased approach.

Chivu has the opportunity to assess the compatibility between domestic players and newcomers like Nicola Zalewski and Ange-Yuan Bonny during these friendlies. He hopes that this will test the depth of the team and improve tactical flexibility, focusing on a team that has clinical control and defensive solidity to edge past opponents like Fluminense.