Cristian Chivu, the former Romanian international and ex-Roma defender, has emerged as a surprise candidate in the search for AS Roma’s next head coach. While names like Cesc Fàbregas and Francesco Farioli have been widely discussed, Chivu’s inclusion adds an unexpected twist to the club’s managerial deliberations.
Chivu’s connection to Roma is well-established. He played for the Giallorossi from 2003 to 2007, forming a formidable defensive partnership with Walter Samuel and contributing to the team’s Coppa Italia victory in 2007. His tenure at Roma was marked by both impressive performances and challenges, including injury setbacks and a high-profile transfer to Inter Milan in 2007.
Since retiring from professional football, Chivu has been steadily building his coaching credentials. He began his managerial career in Inter Milan’s youth system, progressing through various age groups and eventually leading the Primavera team. Under his guidance, Inter’s youth squad achieved notable success, including winning the Campionato Primavera 1 title. In February 2025, Chivu took on his first senior managerial role with Parma, stepping in to replace Fabio Pecchia. His appointment was seen as a bold move by Parma, reflecting their belief in his potential despite his limited experience at the senior level.Football Italia+1Tribuna+1
Chivu’s candidacy for the Roma job is intriguing, particularly given his deep ties to the club and his understanding of its culture and expectations. His recent experiences at Parma have provided him with valuable exposure to the challenges of managing at the top level, and his work with young players aligns with Roma’s emphasis on developing homegrown talent.
However, appointing Chivu would also represent a significant gamble for Roma. His coaching experience, while promising, is still relatively limited, and the pressures of leading a club with Roma’s ambitions are considerable. The club’s management will need to weigh the potential benefits of his appointment against the risks associated with his inexperience.
As Roma continues its search for a new head coach, Chivu’s name adds an element of intrigue to the process. His potential appointment would signal a commitment to nurturing emerging managerial talent and could resonate with fans who remember his contributions as a player. Whether the club ultimately decides to take this path remains to be seen, but Chivu’s inclusion in the conversation underscores the breadth of options being considered as Roma looks to the future.