Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac believes Inter Milan have evolved into a more complete and dangerous side under Cristian Chivu, ahead of the two teams’ Champions League meeting on Wednesday.
Inter, finalists in 2023 and again in 2025, currently hold a five-point lead at the top of Serie A, and Kovac said the Italian champions have successfully blended their traditional strengths with a more contemporary approach.
While Inter impressed during last season’s run to the final under Simone Inzaghi, they were ultimately overwhelmed by Paris Saint-Germain in a 5-0 defeat in Munich. Kovac, however, noted a clear tactical shift since Chivu’s appointment.
“In the past they were dominant in possession,” Kovac said. “Now they’ve adapted and added a very quick transition game. We need to be aware of that.”
He added that long-standing stereotypes of Italian football no longer apply to this Inter side. “Usually you say Italian teams want the ball into feet, they’re very technical but a bit slower. At the moment, this Inter team is very dynamic and modern.”
Dortmund head into their final league-phase match with 11 points, one fewer than Inter. Victory could see either side qualify directly for the last 16 and avoid the knockout round, although Dortmund would still require favourable results elsewhere.
Both clubs carry recent pedigree in the competition. Dortmund were runners-up two years ago, while Inter reached the final in 2023, losing narrowly to Manchester City. Kovac highlighted Inter’s cohesion as a key strength.
“You can see they’ve been together for a few years,” he said. “Everyone knows what their teammate is doing.”
Dortmund will be without Niklas Süle and Marcel Sabitzer through injury, while Chelsea loanee Aaron Anselmino was recalled by his parent club earlier this week.
Inter, meanwhile, will be missing midfielder Nicolò Barella, who has suffered a muscle injury. Chivu confirmed the Italy international was not risked but expressed optimism over his recovery. Lautaro Martínez, despite fitness concerns, is expected to feature.
“Nicolò had a muscle strain, so we didn’t call him up,” Chivu explained. “He’ll undergo tests, but we hope it’s just fatigue. Lautaro never wants to rest, and we never want to do without our players.”
Inter started their Champions League campaign strongly with four consecutive wins but have since lost their last three matches against Atlético Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Chivu acknowledged the challenge facing his side in Germany, pointing to Dortmund’s formidable home record, with just one defeat in their last 21 Champions League matches at Signal Iduna Park.
“We’re facing a fit team who rarely lose at home,” he said. “Since I arrived, everyone has been working to raise the level. There have been ups and downs, but the reactions have always been strong.”
With both teams still eyeing direct qualification, Wednesday’s clash is shaping up to be a decisive test of Inter’s evolution under Chivu and Dortmund’s ambitions on home soil.
