Ausilio was speaking to Sky Sport after Sunday's 2-0 win over Parma at San Siro clinched Inter's 21st Scudetto with three games remaining. It was the culmination of a season in which Chivu — appointed with just 13 senior Serie A matches as a manager on his record — exceeded almost every expectation placed on him.
On the decision to appoint Chivu, Ausilio was candid about the scepticism that surrounded it.
"I was at an advantage — I knew the qualities he later showed he had. Many people thought he was not suited to a team with champions like Inter. He had intelligence, great sensitivity and great management ability.
"He also had a measured approach, building knowledge gradually, and the Club World Cup helped with that. He found the right motivations and little by little we built this marvel — made of men first and great footballers second."
He was equally direct about the risk associated with the summer signings in attack, which included Bonny from Parma and the decision to keep Pio Esposito rather than send him on loan.
"We knew we needed to bring something fresh, something new. We chose players who could support the starters and then over time the convictions came and everyone contributed. Pio and Bonny could have seemed like gambles, but we knew the qualities were there."
Bonny, 20, ended the season with 11 goals across all competitions in his first year at the club. Esposito, 20, contributed nine goals and six assists from 45 appearances, having been included in Chivu's Club World Cup squad as one of his first acts as manager.
Ausilio also addressed the club's longer-term transfer philosophy, responding to president Giuseppe Marotta's recent public comments about prioritising young Italian players — with Juventus midfielder Alessandro Palestra mentioned specifically as a name of interest.
"In recent years of transfer activity we have tried to keep an eye on young Italians. I always think the most important thing is to look for quality. Now we want to also bring in some experienced players alongside the young ones — a mix. We will continue in this direction."
Inter Milan face Lazio in the Coppa Italia final on 14 May.