Kolarov returns to Inter: he will be Cristian Chivu’s assistant coach

A familiar face is about to return to Appiano Gentile: Aleksandar Kolarov has been chosen as Inter’s new assistant coach, flanking Cristian Chivu in the technical leadership of the first team. After weeks of evaluations and hypotheses, the Nerazzurri have found the ideal solution within their recent history, focusing on the former Serbian defender, who ended his career precisely with the Inter shirt in 2022.

The club’s initial intention was to entrust the role to Giovanni Martusciello, but he had to give up for bureaucratic reasons. The track leading to Walter Samuel also cooled down: the former Argentine center back chose to remain on the Argentine national team staff alongside Lionel Scaloni. Thus, the choice fell on Kolarov, a profile that combines international experience, knowledge of the environment and a path as a coach already underway.

After retiring from playing soccer, Kolarov embarked on a coaching career, taking over as head coach of the Serbian Under-21 national team. A position he will hold until the European Championships in 2027, which will be played in Serbia itself. In addition, he attended the prestigious Uefa Pro Master’s program at Coverciano, certifying his ambition and preparation in the new role.

For Inter, this is not only a double return, given also that of Chivu, but a rational choice consistent with the technical line drawn. Kolarov, champion of Italy with the Nerazzurri in the 2020/21 season, already knows much of the locker room and has the right personality to flank an emerging coach like Chivu.

Angelo Palombo, Chivu’s former technical collaborator at Parma, Mario Cecchi, a tactician coming from his experience with Simone Inzaghi, and athletic trainer Stefano Rapetti will also complete the Inter staff.