Gran Galà del Calcio: Inter sweeps awards, but the Chivu snub stings

A night of gold and black. Inter reigns supreme at the Gran Galà del Calcio, yet a baffling decision leaves the Double-winning Cristian Chivu empty-handed.

A Nerazzurro takeover in Milano

The 2026 Gran Galà del Calcio was effectively an Inter victory parade. As reported by the official club channels, the Beneamata swept the ceremony, cementing their status as the absolute dominant force in Italian football. Beppe Marotta hoisted the "Club of the Year" trophy—a testament to the surgical management that has returned Inter to the pinnacle. From the boardroom to the pitch, the night was a sea of black and blue, celebrating a season that saw the Scudetto and Coppa Italia return to the trophy room at Viale della Liberatione.

The best of the best: Inter’s five-star XI

The AIC (Associazione Italiana Calciatori) peers have spoken, confirming what we already knew: Inter’s spine is unbeatable. Five Nerazzurri were voted into the Serie A Top XI of the Year: Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Nicolò Barella, and the Capocannoniere Lautaro Martínez. This quintet formed the backbone of the most disciplined and lethal side in the peninsula. Seeing our boys lined up with their AIC trophies is a sight for sore eyes, reinforcing the gap between the reigning champions and the rest of the pack.

The Chivu snub: A slap in the face of the Double

However, the evening was marred by a decision that defies all logic. Despite winning the domestic double in his debut season and maintaining tactical superiority throughout the year, Cristian Chivu was overlooked for the "Coach of the Year" award. Instead, the accolade went to Cesc Fàbregas. While Fàbregas did an admirable job guiding Como to a 4th-place finish, the statistical reality makes the snub even more bitter. Chivu and Inter faced Fàbregas four times last season; Chivu won three, drew one, and outscored his rival with a staggering 11-5 aggregate. Apparently, historic doubles and head-to-head dominance aren't enough for the voters.

Fuel for the fire: Defending the throne

This lack of recognition will only serve as fuel for Chivu and his squad as they navigate the current campaign. Winning on the pitch is the only response to being disrespected on the stage. The Romanian coach has already proven he can handle the weight of the Inter dugout, and while a trophy from the AIC would have been a nice addition to his cabinet, the two stars on the jersey and the silver at the Meazza tell the only story that truly matters. Milano is black and blue, regardless of who the pundits choose to crown.

The ForzaIM Take

Let’s be real—this is an absolute joke. Fàbregas had a good story at Como, but Chivu delivered a Masterclass. You don't win a Double by accident, and you certainly don't get snubbed after thrashing the "Coach of the Year" three times in a single season. It’s classic anti-Inter bias at its peak. But hey, let them keep their individual plaques; we’ll keep winning the trophies that actually require a trophy cabinet. Chivu is our manager, and we wouldn't trade him for anyone.

Is there any logical justification for Fàbregas winning over Chivu, or is this the biggest awards snub in recent Serie A history?

Forza Inter sempre!