Chivu’s Derby Frustration: Inter’s Missed Chances and Heated Exchange

Inter Milan lost 1-0 to city rivals AC Milan in a tense Derby della Madonnina. The defeat at San Siro on Sunday pushed Inter down to fourth place in Serie A. New coach Cristian Chivu faced immediate pressure after his first taste of the iconic fixture from the dugout.

The result marks Inter’s fourth league loss this season. Chivu praised his team’s spirit but acknowledged the mounting frustration. He now must rally his squad for a critical UEFA Champions League match this week.

A Night of Narrow Margins at San Siro

Christian Pulisic scored the game’s only goal in the second half. Inter dominated possession and created more scoring opportunities throughout the match. They recorded twenty shots to Milan’s seven.

Key moments slipped through Inter’s fingers. Hakan Calhanoglu had a late penalty saved by Milan’s Mike Maignan. The Nerazzurri also struck the woodwork twice, underscoring their night of near misses.

Chivu focused on the collective performance in his post-match comments. “I take home the good performance,” he told DAZN Italia. He refused to blame individual players for the disappointing result.

Chivu’s Tense Clash with Journalist Diletta Leotta

The post-match press conference produced its own drama. Prominent journalist Diletta Leotta pressed Chivu on a key decision. She questioned his choice to substitute star striker Lautaro Martinez in the 66th minute.

Leotta asked if the change was tactical or due to a physical issue. “Lautaro is fine, Lautaro is fine,” Chivu replied firmly. He asserted his authority as the decision-maker.

“Can’t I change players? It’s a tactical choice, my choice,” Chivu stated. The exchange highlighted the intense scrutiny facing the coach after a high-profile defeat. According to beIN Sports, the moment captured the heightened emotions of the derby.

For Cristian Chivu, the derby defeat is a setback but not a defining moment. His immediate task is to channel the team’s evident effort into converting chances. How Inter responds in their next crucial match will test the resilience Chivu is trying to build.

Thought you’d like to know

Why did Cristian Chivu substitute Lautaro Martinez?

Chivu stated it was purely a tactical decision. He wanted to introduce fresh legs and believed the substitutes could change the game. He confirmed the Argentine striker was not injured.

How did Hakan Calhanoglu perform against his former club?

Calhanoglu was active in midfield and won a penalty late in the game. He failed to convert it, however, as his spot-kick was saved by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Where does this loss leave Inter in the Serie A table?

The defeat sees Inter fall to fourth place. They are now three points behind league leaders Roma. The table remains very tight among the top clubs.

What did Chivu say about the team’s overall performance?

He praised the team’s effort and said they played well overall. Chivu pointed to the single counter-attack that led to Milan’s goal as the decisive moment in an otherwise positive display.

What is Inter’s next important match?

Inter faces Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League this Wednesday. Chivu said the team’s duty is to quickly regroup for this equally important European fixture.