Inter Coach Chivu Praises Team Spirit After AC Milan Derby Loss

Inter coach Christian Chivu refused to point fingers after his side’s narrow 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina, instead emphasizing the unwavering spirit and overall performance of his team. Despite the setback, Chivu stood firmly behind his players—especially goalkeeper Yann Sommer—and explained the rationale behind his much-debated substitution of captain Lautaro Martinez.

Inter Coach Chivu Focuses on Team Spirit in Derby della Madonnina Loss

Inter coach Chivu’s debut Derby della Madonnina ended in disappointment as Christian Pulisic’s second-half strike sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory for AC Milan. Nevertheless, Chivu remained upbeat in his post-match comments, underlining the impressive attitude shown by his players throughout the contest. “The performance and focus were there, we didn’t suffer counterattacks,” Chivu noted. “We only conceded on a long ball, and Milan scored. But I’m proud of the good performance from the lads. That’s the spirit I want to see.”

Inter dominated much of the game, enjoying 64% possession and firing 16 shots to Milan’s 8. With nine corners to Milan’s one, Inter held a clear territorial edge. However, their inability to convert chances proved costly. The Nerazzurri were left to rue missed opportunities—including two efforts that struck the woodwork and a crucial missed penalty—that ultimately determined the result.

Chivu Defends Yann Sommer After Costly Goal

Yann Sommer, Inter’s experienced goalkeeper, came under scrutiny after his initial save from Alexis Saelemaekers led to a rebound struck home by Pulisic in the 54th minute. Chivu, however, was resolute in his refusal to blame Sommer or any individual for the defeat. “I’m not talking about individuals, that’s not fair. For me, my players are the best, and I could never point the finger at anyone because when you do that, it smells like failure,” Chivu insisted. “We’re all in this together—we could have unlocked it, done better, managed it, but the statistics are what they are. We just have the duty to get back up.”

Key Substitution: Lautaro Martinez Taken Off Early

A major talking point from the derby was Chivu’s decision to substitute Lautaro Martinez, Inter’s influential captain and top scorer, in the 64th minute—just ten minutes after Milan’s goal. The move raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, but Chivu stood by his tactical call. “Lautaro is fine, it was my decision. He’s fine, I took him off for my own technical reasons: can’t I change players? Even those on the bench deserve to contribute. It was my decision,” Chivu clarified.

Inter Coach Chivu Reflects on Serie A Standings and Next Steps

With this result, Inter now sit fourth in Serie A with 24 points from 12 matches, three points off pace-setting Roma. The Nerazzurri have suffered four defeats in the league this season, a figure Chivu acknowledged is too high for a club with title aspirations. “Four defeats in 12 games is too many. The table is tight, and we need to overcome frustration and move forward,” Chivu admitted. “We attack with many men, and that exposes you to risks, but today we only conceded one counterattack, which was enough for Milan. We need to work on better reading danger, improving defensive balance, and perhaps earning a few more yellow cards in critical moments.”

Recent form has not been kind to Inter, with three losses in their last five Serie A outings. The team’s dominance in possession and chance creation has not consistently translated into goals and victories—a trend they must urgently reverse to remain in the Scudetto race.

Looking Ahead: Champions League and Serie A Challenges

Inter will seek a swift response in their upcoming fixtures, starting with a pivotal Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid, followed by a league encounter with Pisa. Chivu stressed the importance of turning their creative dominance into goals, while shoring up defensive discipline. For Inter, the next matches are crucial in restoring confidence and climbing back up the Serie A table.

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Opinion: Chivu’s Leadership Shows Promise Despite Setbacks

Chivu’s refusal to single out Sommer or criticize his players in public is a strong signal of unity and belief in the squad. While tactical decisions like substituting Lautaro Martinez may invite debate, his honest and open approach could foster a resilient team spirit. If Inter can channel this positive mentality into more clinical performances, there is every reason to believe they will remain a serious contender in both Serie A and European competition.