Chivu Criticises Inter's Performance In Derby Della Madonnina Defeat To AC Milan

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Inter slipped to a 1-0 defeat against AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, with Cristian Chivu admitting the performance fell short of expectations. Pervis Estupinan’s precise strike 10 minutes before half-time sealed the match, cutting Inter’s lead at the top of Serie A to seven points and tightening the title race.

The loss ended Inter’s league unbeaten run that stretched back to last November, which also featured a defeat against Milan. It was Inter’s first away league reverse since a 3-1 loss to Napoli on 25 October 2025. That sequence had supported Chivu’s defence of the squad when recent displays drew criticism.

Chivu’s team now face questions over momentum after a demanding period. Inter drew 0-0 with Como in the Coppa Italia semi-final in midweek and exited the Champions League play-offs to Bodo/Glimt in a surprise result. Those setbacks, followed by this derby defeat, suggest the group is struggling to maintain previous levels.

Inter still hold a seven-point cushion in Serie A with 10 matches remaining, and Chivu underlined the size of the remaining task. "There are 10 games to go, 30 points up for grabs, so we’ve got to build on what we’ve done so far. We still have a seven-point advantage, there are 30 still to be earned, nothing would’ve changed even if we had won tonight."

Chivu highlighted the slow start as central to the defeat and felt Inter reacted too late. "Our first half was below par with a slow tempo, we then conceded their goal and that was a blow too," Chivu told DAZN Italia, as quoted by Football Italia. "We tried to step up a gear after the break and did better in fits and starts, creating a good chance with Dimarco. We tried everything to swarm around their low defensive block, but were unable to break them down."

Inter created several openings despite the loss. Henrikh Mkhitaryan forced a save from Mike Maignan, while Federico Dimarco missed a major chance early in the second half, shooting over from close range. During stoppage time, Inter thought they had equalised from a corner, but the effort was disallowed for a foul on Carlos Augusto before the set piece was delivered.

Match data reflected Inter’s territorial control but Milan’s greater efficiency. Inter recorded an expected goals figure of 1.24 from 11 attempts, compared with Milan’s 0.77 from nine shots. Estupinan’s composed finish proved decisive, with Milan defending deep for long spells and limiting clear chances after taking the lead.

"We could and should have done better. The strikers are young, they didn’t do what we usually require, but that is not an excuse," Chivu added. "I am pleased with what they tried to do, considering they were the only two at our disposal. For two such young players, this is valuable experience. We all should’ve had greater intensity and moved with more determination all over the pitch."

Late on, attention turned to a penalty appeal when Denzel Dumfries headed the ball onto Samuele Ricci’s arm. Officials judged the arm position natural, and VAR backed the on-field call. "I was told the VAR checked it, so I have nothing to add. I am focused on the performance, on my decisions, my mistakes," Chivu said.

Inter leave the Derby della Madonnina with league advantage reduced but still intact, and with recent frustrations in cup competitions adding pressure. Chivu’s comments emphasised internal reflection on intensity, finishing and decision-making, as Inter attempt to respond across the final 10 Serie A fixtures and protect their position ahead of Milan.