In a dramatic twist that has rocked the Italian football transfer market, Inter Milan have reportedly hijacked Juventus’ move for highly rated Fiorentina defender Pietro Comuzzo. The 20-year-old was believed to be on the verge of completing a switch to Turin, but a stunning late intervention from Inter manager Cristian Chivu—who cut his family holiday short to meet with the player personally—has shifted the momentum decisively toward the Nerazzurri.
This shocking development underscores the fierce transfer war between two of Italy’s biggest clubs and highlights Chivu’s growing influence behind the scenes at Inter. With both clubs undergoing summer overhauls and repositioning for long-term success, the battle for Comuzzo’s signature could be one of the most symbolic tussles of the 2025 summer window.
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THE TUG OF WAR FOR PIETRO COMUZZO
Pietro Comuzzo, a product of Fiorentina’s youth academy, has emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in Italy. Calm under pressure, blessed with natural anticipation, and comfortable in both back-four and back-three systems, Comuzzo represents the kind of modern centre-back every top club covets.
Juventus had made significant progress in discussions with Fiorentina and the player’s representatives over the past two weeks. According to reports, the Bianconeri had prepared a structured deal worth around €15 million with performance-related bonuses. Manager Thiago Motta, eager to reshape the Juventus backline with youth and agility, had personally approved the move, seeing Comuzzo as a long-term partner for Federico Gatti and Danilo.
All signs pointed to a Turin move—until Inter Milan, sensing an opportunity, pounced.
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CHIVU’S HOLIDAY INTERRUPTION: A STATEMENT OF INTENT
What transpired next is the kind of behind-the-scenes maneuvering that defines elite football. Cristian Chivu, Inter’s new head coach and a former elite defender himself, was vacationing in Croatia with his family when he was informed that Juventus were closing in on Comuzzo. Rather than leave the matter to Inter’s technical staff, Chivu boarded an early flight to Florence, reportedly insisting on a face-to-face meeting with the player.
According to sources close to the club, Chivu spent over two hours with Comuzzo and his agents at a private hotel in the Tuscan countryside, laying out his tactical vision and how the young defender fit into it. The Romanian coach reportedly emphasized his belief in Comuzzo’s potential to become a Serie A star under his tutelage and even showed the player video clips illustrating his role in Inter’s evolving defensive setup.
One Inter insider said:
“Cristian didn’t just speak as a coach—he spoke as someone who had walked the path Comuzzo is trying to follow. That resonated deeply.”
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JUVENTUS BLINDSIDED AND FRUSTRATED
The move has left Juventus stunned. The Turin club had been quietly confident of wrapping up the transfer, believing they had met both Fiorentina’s valuation and the player’s wage demands. However, the decisive meeting with Chivu appears to have swayed Comuzzo’s camp significantly.
Sources indicate that Comuzzo has now delayed all negotiations with Juventus as he considers the Inter offer, which reportedly includes a slightly improved salary package, assurances of involvement in the first-team rotation, and the allure of working directly with Chivu—who, as a former centre-back, holds considerable credibility among young defenders.
Juventus are understood to be “frustrated but not surprised” by the development, with one source admitting:
“When Inter want a player, they don’t mess around. Chivu’s personal touch made all the difference. It’s a setback for us.”
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TACTICAL FIT: WHY COMUZZO SUITS INTER PERFECTLY
Comuzzo’s profile makes him an ideal addition to Inter’s system. With the likely departure of Stefan de Vrij and questions surrounding Francesco Acerbi’s long-term fitness, Chivu is looking to inject youth into the backline while preserving the tactical intelligence that defined Inter’s defensive strength under Simone Inzaghi.
Comuzzo is:
- Comfortable playing as the left or central centre-back in a back three.
- A confident distributor from the back, capable of initiating attacks.
- Physically robust yet tactically mature beyond his years.
- Highly disciplined positionally, minimizing reckless challenges.
Chivu sees Comuzzo as a player who can be gradually integrated into the starting eleven and eventually form a long-term partnership with Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard.
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THE INTER–JUVENTUS TRANSFER BATTLE: A NEW FRONT
This hijacking isn’t just about Comuzzo. It’s the latest chapter in an increasingly bitter rivalry between Italy’s two superpowers. While the Derby d’Italia has always been intense on the pitch, recent transfer windows have witnessed both clubs actively undermining each other’s efforts in the market.
Last summer, Juventus attempted to poach Davide Frattesi from under Inter’s nose, only for the Nerazzurri to retaliate by accelerating their deal for Marcus Thuram. Now, Inter have struck again—this time with a direct intervention by their head coach that could severely disrupt Juventus’ rebuilding plans.
One Juventus supporter vented on X (formerly Twitter):
“How do we let Inter steal a player from us again? We had him in the bag! Chivu’s not playing games this summer.”
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WHAT COMUZZO BRINGS TO INTER’S REBUILD
If Inter succeed in sealing the deal, they won’t just be signing a talented young defender—they’ll be making a statement of intent. Comuzzo fits the club’s current philosophy under Chivu: blending experience with youthful energy, placing faith in homegrown or Serie A-proven talent, and building a squad with strong tactical discipline.
He would offer:
- Depth and flexibility across multiple defensive roles.
- Long-term planning as aging stars near the end of their careers.
- The potential to become a future Italy international under the right guidance.
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FIORENTINA’S POSITION: PLAYING THE FIELD
Meanwhile, Fiorentina are playing their cards wisely. With two of Italy’s giants competing for Comuzzo’s signature, they’re in a prime position to drive up the price. While Fiorentina had accepted Juventus’ initial offer in principle, they have not yet finalized paperwork—allowing Inter the opportunity to submit their own improved bid.
Sources suggest that Fiorentina could now push for a €17–18 million package, inclusive of bonuses, particularly if Inter match or surpass Juventus’ financial offer. The player’s preference could now be the deciding factor.
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WHAT’S NEXT?
As of now, Pietro Comuzzo is expected to make a decision within the next 72 hours. Inter are pushing to finalize personal terms and submit formal paperwork to Fiorentina, hoping to seal the transfer before the weekend. Juventus, though shocked, are not yet out of the race and could still attempt one final push—though without the advantage of Chivu’s personal involvement, they may be fighting a losing battle.
If the deal goes through, it will serve as a major coup for Inter Milan—and a bitter blow to Juventus’ summer rebuild. More importantly, it will mark Cristian Chivu’s first high-profile triumph in the transfer market as Inter boss—a clear message that he’s not merely filling a seat, but actively shaping the next era at San Siro.
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CONCLUSION: CHIVU MAKES HIS MARK EARLY
Cristian Chivu’s decision to interrupt his holiday and personally intervene in Pietro Comuzzo’s transfer negotiations has captured headlines for good reason. In a sport increasingly dominated by agents and directors, it’s rare for a manager to take such direct action—especially at the risk of being seen as overly aggressive.
But Chivu is not your average manager. As a former Inter defender, Champions League winner, and now head coach of one of Italy’s biggest clubs, his actions speak to a deeper mission: restoring Inter’s dominance, both on the field and in the market.
For Juventus, this isn’t just a missed signing—it’s a warning. The Chivu era at Inter Milan has officially begun, and it’s already leaving a mark.
