We face the Italian giants in Hong Kong on Saturday in a match that represents Maresca’s first in charge of the Blues.
Maresca took over from Pep Guardiola following a decade of success for the Catalan but Chivu, who led Inter to a domestic double last season, believes City are in good hands during this transition.
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“He used to work in the club because he used to work with Pep,” he began.
“He then started to do his own managerial career and he has done a great job so far.
“It wasn’t easy for him at Leicester and Chelsea but he won the Championship and the Club World Cup.
“He is the right manager because he was there with Pep and has his own idea.
“He is one of the younger coaches in the world who has a lot to improve even though he has done well so far.”
In a quirk of fate, this match also follows hot on the heels of Inter’s announcement of the signing of John Stones, who also left City this summer after playing a pivotal role in that historic period under Guardiola.
He will not be involved on Saturday having been part of England’s run to the semi-finals of the World Cup, but Chivu was full of praise for our former No.5.
“To have the possibility to get Stones as a free agent it’s important,” he said.
“It’s important for the quality, personality and character he has shown in the last years. It’s one defender that will definitely improve that department.”
Saturday’s clash will be live globally (except in Italy and China) on mancity.com and our official app.
As it marks the first outing of pre-season, both sides are still feeling their way to their best but Chivu acknowledged the excitement in Hong Kong as two of Europe’s giants meet.
“We will try together with Manchester [City] to get to the level that everyone expects because we represent two important clubs in Europe and around the world,” he stated.
The Inter boss also paid tribute to Italian legend Franco Baresi, who passed away earlier on Friday at the age of 66.
Watch our 2026 tour games on CITY+!
Subscribe to CITY+ now to see all three of City’s games during our 2026 pre-season tour of Asia.
We start in Hong Kong against Italian champions Inter on Saturday 1 August, with kick-off at 12:30 (UK).
After that, we go to Seoul to play a K League All-Stars side on Wednesday 5 August and then Atletico Madrid on Sunday 9 August. Both games begin at 12:00 (UK).
All three will be available to watch on mancity.com and our official app for current CITY+ subscribers globally*.
Available for £34.99 for an annual subscription or £9.99 per month, CITY+ gets you closer to the Club than ever before, with documentaries, live games and full-match replays throughout the season.
*City v Inter: Globally available except China, Italy
K League All-Stars v City: Globally available except South Korea
City v Atletico Madrid: Globally available except South Korea, Spain
