The curtain has risen on the 2025-26 Serie A season, and with it, a fresh wave of anticipation and, perhaps, a touch of tactical chaos. Italy`s top flight, renowned for its rich history and strategic depth, kicked off with Napoli defending their hard-won 2024-25 Scudetto. Yet, even as the reigning champions prepared to stake their claim once more, the league`s narrative was already being rewritten, not by the usual titans, but by an unforeseen sensation at Inter Milan.
This summer, the Serie A managerial merry-go-round spun with remarkable velocity, depositing new strategists at the helm of twelve clubs. Among the most closely watched appointments was Cristian Chivu at Inter, stepping into the formidable shoes of Simone Inzaghi. His mandate: to guide the Nerazzurri through a carefully planned rebuild, aiming to challenge Napoli, Juventus, and AC Milan for supremacy. The footballing world braced itself for a season of measured evolution at San Siro, envisioning Chivu meticulously crafting his vision. Fate, however, often has a more immediate, and far more dramatic, script in mind.
The Unexpected Arrival: Petar Sucic`s Grand Entrance
Enter Petar Sucic, the Croatian midfielder signed last winter from Dinamo Zagreb for a reported $11 million. While his arrival was a strategic long-term investment, few predicted the seismic impact he would make from the very first whistle. Inter`s opening fixture against Torino, a resounding 5-0 victory, became the stage for Sucic`s startling debut. With key midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu suspended and Davide Frattesi still regaining full fitness, Chivu`s hand was forced, slotting Sucic into a three-man midfield alongside stalwarts Nicolo Barella and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
What followed was nothing short of a masterclass. Sucic wasn`t just filling a gap; he was commanding the midfield. His statistics from those ninety minutes painted a picture of a player beyond his years: 68 touches, two chances created, and a crucial assist for Marcus Thuram`s opening goal. He unleashed four shots, two of which tested the goalkeeper, and his all-around contribution in both defensive and attacking phases earned him the coveted Man of the Match accolade from the jubilant Inter faithful. This wasn`t merely a promising debut; it was a declarative statement.
Chivu`s Conundrum: A `Good Problem` or a Tactical Headache?
The immediate question on everyone`s lips, and undoubtedly in Cristian Chivu`s tactical mind, is: where does Sucic fit now? The “rebuild” that was meant to unfold gradually has been dramatically accelerated by one prodigious talent. While Inter`s squad boasts enviable depth in midfield, Sucic`s performance suggests he`s not content to merely be a squad rotation player. The return of Calhanoglu, a pivotal figure for Inter, will force Chivu into a difficult, albeit enviable, decision. Does the young Croatian`s brilliance necessitate a tactical reshuffle, or will Chivu attempt to integrate him more cautiously?
This is the kind of “problem” every manager secretly desires – an embarrassment of riches, a new star demanding inclusion. Yet, it`s a problem nonetheless, requiring delicate management of egos and expectations within a squad vying for multiple honors, including the FIFA Club World Cup. The notion of Inter playing key matches without Sucic, after such a commanding performance, now seems almost unthinkable to many.
Beyond San Siro: The Broader Serie A Landscape
While Sucic`s emergence dominates the headlines, the wider Serie A landscape promises a fascinating season. The familiar faces of Juventus and AC Milan, bolstered by their own summer adjustments (including Allegri`s return to Milan), will undoubtedly push Napoli to their limits. AS Roma, under the new guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, presents another intriguing prospect, while Atalanta, Lazio, Fiorentina, Bologna, and even newly promoted Como harbor ambitions for European qualification. The league`s inherent competitiveness ensures that every point, every tactical decision, and every breakout performance will carry immense weight.
The Path Ahead for Inter and Sucic
For Inter Milan, the 2025-26 season has begun with a flourish, thanks in no small part to Petar Sucic. What was envisioned as a steady rebuilding phase under Chivu has been injected with an electrifying, unexpected spark. The Croatian midfielder isn`t just a new signing; he`s a potential game-changer, forcing a re-evaluation of Inter`s immediate tactical future. His journey from promising prospect to indispensable asset might just be the most compelling narrative to watch unfold in this exciting Serie A season, proving that sometimes, the best plans are those that account for the wonderfully unpredictable nature of football.
