T his time Cristian Chivu allowed himself to occupy the stage for a moment, to acknowledge his part in Inter’s success. When the Nerazzurri sealed their 21st league title at the start of this month, their head coach did his best to get out of the limelight, thanking supporters then retiring to the changing rooms for a cigarette. At his scheduled post-game press conference, he appeared only long enough to introduce his coaching staff and say it was their turn to take the applause.

A selfless gesture, if perhaps also a reflection of the fact that he did not feel ready to celebrate. In a brief interview for TV, Chivu expressed happiness for his players then added: “I don’t want to be a hypocrite, but I’m thinking about the Coppa Italia final.”

That mental energy was clearly not wasted.…