Inter Find Serie A Edge by Winning Ugly Under Chivu

Inter’s gritty Serie A evolution was on full display in their 2-0 victory over Lazio, a match that emphasized effectiveness over elegance and highlighted the transformation taking place under coach Cristian Chivu. As former Italy international Paolo Di Canio aptly put it, “sometimes beauty needs to go to hell”—and for Inter, this new pragmatic approach could be the key to long-term greatness.

Inter Embrace Grit to Reclaim Serie A Top Spot

Inter entered the San Siro clash hungry for three points, and they delivered with a composed performance that had substance outweighing style. Lautaro Martinez broke his five-match Serie A goal drought just three minutes in, sending the home crowd into early celebration. His shot, while hardly a textbook finish, curled perfectly into the top corner, underscoring Chivu’s philosophy: results matter more than flair.

Di Canio, analyzing the Argentine’s goal on Sky, remarked, “Did Lautaro want to shoot like that? Maybe not, but sometimes efficiency trumps aesthetics.” Despite the unorthodox technique, the ball hit its mark—and Inter’s new identity was on full display.

Ange-Yoan Bonny added a second, capitalizing on Lazio’s defensive frailties and confirming Inter’s dominance. Their positional discipline and sharp transitions stifled Lazio throughout, sending Inter joint-top of Serie A alongside Roma with 27 points.

Chivu’s Approach: Inter’s Grit Over Glamour

Chivu’s arrival has signaled a marked shift in Inter’s footballing philosophy. Gone is the obsession with beautiful play; in its place is a culture of discipline, tactical pragmatism, and unwavering focus. Di Canio sees greatness in this transformation, noting that Inter now possess a “ruthless mindset” that prioritizes substance over style.

“They know their strength and what’s been missing,” Di Canio explained. “Now, there’s individual awareness and a coach who transmits it. It’s not about shouting, but about looking at results and asking, ‘What have we achieved?’ That’s a step forward.”

This psychological evolution is clear. Inter are no longer reliant solely on technical brilliance; instead, they’ve embraced a mentality that does not shy away from scrapping for points when required. The painful Scudetto slip last season still lingers, but it’s fueling a hunger for revenge and redemption.

Building a Winning Mentality in Serie A

Under Chivu, Inter have become masters of “winning ugly.” Di Canio praised the team’s willingness to sacrifice beauty for results. “Sometimes aesthetics have to go to hell if you want to reach your goal,” he asserted. “There’s concreteness and discipline here. Chivu approached this match differently—he wanted to break the old mold and carve out wins by any means necessary.”

Inter’s ability to grind out results—taking 12 points from their last four Serie A matches—reflects their newfound resilience. The continuity in management, building on the foundations laid by Conte and Inzaghi, has fostered both stability and ambition. Chivu’s tactical tweaks, such as flexible midfield alignments and personnel changes, are stripping away the old obsession with grace in favor of hard-earned victories.

Midfield Challenges as Mkhitaryan Sidelined

The path ahead will not be without obstacles. Inter’s midfield depth faces a test after Henrikh Mkhitaryan was sidelined for at least a month due to a thigh strain. As a key creative force, his absence leaves a notable void, especially with crucial fixtures looming—most notably the Milan Derby and two Champions League encounters.

However, Piotr Zielinski has stepped up admirably in recent games. Against Lazio, he replaced Mkhitaryan and nearly netted a goal, only for VAR to disallow it. Zielinski’s pressing, ball progression, and long-range threat bring a fresh dimension to Inter’s midfield, and Chivu will count on the Polish international to keep the team’s balance between attack and defense during this busy stretch.

What’s Next for Inter and Chivu?

Maintaining momentum is now Chivu’s biggest challenge. With a congested schedule and mounting injuries, the international break offers a vital window to reassess tactics and rest weary legs. Upon return, Inter face a season-defining run: the much-anticipated Milan Derby on November 23, followed by a challenging Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid.

Yet, the signs are positive. Inter’s unbeaten run and robust mentality suggest they are well-positioned to tackle whatever comes next. The joint acquisition of San Siro with AC Milan marks a new era for both clubs, adding further motivation to establish dominance in the city and beyond.

Opinion: Inter’s New Identity Is Built for Success

Inter’s transformation under Chivu is as much psychological as it is tactical. By letting go of the need to win beautifully and focusing on substance, the Nerazzurri are developing the resilience needed to compete at the highest level. While purists may lament the loss of artistry, history remembers champions, not just entertainers. If Inter continue down this path, Di Canio’s prediction of greatness may soon become reality.

For more coverage on Inter’s rise and the latest from around the football world, visit for more news.