Quick Read
- Inter lost 1-0 to AC Milan in the Serie A derby, slipping to fourth place.
- Cristian Chivu praised his team’s spirit but acknowledged the frustration of defeat.
- Chivu faced tough questions from journalist Diletta Leotta about substituting Lautaro Martinez.
- Inter created more chances but failed to convert, including a missed penalty by Hakan Calhanoglu.
- Chivu emphasized collective responsibility and focused on regrouping for the Champions League.
Chivu Praises Inter’s Grit Despite Derby Defeat
Sunday’s Derby della Madonnina at San Siro was a tale of narrow margins, fierce rivalry, and raw emotion. As AC Milan edged Inter 1-0 thanks to Christian Pulisic’s decisive second-half strike, all eyes turned to Inter’s new coach, Cristian Chivu. It was his first taste of the iconic Milan derby from the dugout—a baptism not of fire, but of frustration and missed opportunity.
The result cut deep. Four defeats in twelve Serie A matches dropped Inter to fourth, now three points off the pace set by Roma. Yet, for Chivu, the story beneath the scoreline was one of resilience. “When you suffer the fourth defeat in 12 rounds, that is too many,” Chivu admitted in his post-match remarks to DAZN Italia, his candor reflecting both disappointment and resolve. “However, the table is still pretty tight. We are up there and need to deal with this frustration, because losing a game like this can leave a mark.”
Inter’s Effort Overshadowed by Missed Chances
Statistically, Inter were the busier side. Twenty shots to Milan’s seven, an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.6 to their rival’s 1.0, and twice the Nerazzurri rattled the woodwork. The moment that might haunt them came late: Hakan Calhanoglu, once a hero at Milan, saw his penalty saved by Mike Maignan, denying Inter a crucial equalizer.
Despite their energy, Inter’s vulnerability on the counter proved costly—again. For the fourth time this Serie A campaign, a swift break undid Chivu’s men. “We hardly allowed any counter-attacks, despite knowing the two strikers could cause us problems,” he reflected. “The one time we lost the second ball in midfield, they scored. This is football. I take home the good performance.”
Chivu refused to single out individuals for blame, preferring a collective outlook: “I don’t analyse individuals in public. I would never do that. When I see my players give their all in training, I could never point the finger of blame. We are all in this and all responsible, for good and bad. We all could’ve done better; we could’ve scored earlier.”
Tense Exchange: Chivu Stands His Ground on Substitution Decisions
But the match’s drama wasn’t confined to the pitch. In the aftermath, Chivu found himself in the spotlight for another reason: a heated exchange with Diletta Leotta, one of Italy’s most prominent football journalists. Her pointed questions zeroed in on his decision to substitute star striker Lautaro Martinez in the 66th minute, with Inter still chasing the game.
Leotta pressed, “And the choice to take Lautaro off in the 64th minute? Is he okay, or is it just a tactical decision?”
Chivu’s response was firm: “Lautaro is fine, Lautaro is fine.” When Leotta persisted, suggesting there might be more to the decision, Chivu cut her off: “Can’t I change players? It’s a tactical choice, my choice. I think the players on the bench also deserve for contributing, and they did—both Pio and Bonny. It was my choice, my decision.” The tension was palpable, but Chivu did not waver, defending both his autonomy and the depth of his squad.
The exchange ended with Chivu offering a pointed “Thanks – long live the wolf,” a phrase that captured both defiance and the emotional undercurrent of the occasion.
Looking Ahead: Regrouping for Champions League Challenge
For Inter, the fixture list offers no respite. With a crucial Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid looming, Chivu’s focus swiftly turned to recovery and resilience. “Our duty now is to get back on our feet, as on Wednesday we have an equally important match,” he stated. The pressure is mounting, but so too is the sense of unity Chivu seeks to foster.
Despite the setback, there’s a sense that Chivu’s Inter are forging an identity built on collective spirit and open accountability. As the season grinds on, the questions will only get sharper, the margins tighter, and the stakes higher. For Chivu, both his tactical decisions and his post-match candor will continue to define his early tenure at the helm.
Chivu’s response to defeat—honest, assertive, and unwavering—offers a window into his approach as a leader. While results ultimately shape a manager’s legacy, his insistence on shared responsibility and his refusal to single out scapegoats may prove just as vital in uniting his squad through adversity. With Inter still within striking distance in Serie A and facing a crucial European test, the spirit Chivu champions could be the difference between another season of frustration and one of resurgence. (Sources: beIN Sports, SempreInter)