Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Monday, November 24, 2025, 07:37 / Updated Monday, November 24, 2025 07:42
Inter, the team prepared by Cristi Chivu, lost the derby with AC Milan, score 0-1, although they dominated copiously, having two bars and a missed penalty.
Cristi Chivu lost his first Madonnina Derby, as did Inter's other foreign coaches from 2000 onwards. Including Jose Mourinho!
The Nerazzurri ticked off a 6th match without a win against Milan in all competitions (4 defeats, 2 draws) and fourth defeat in the first 12 legs of the 2025-26 season, and Chivu's concern now is that this setback could leave its mark.
Cristi Chivu: “We have to do better in big matches”
“It's a lost match, I'm afraid it could leave traces. I have 22 players who can be at Inter, I'm trying to find solutions, I'm not thinking about the transfer market“, pointed out the Romanian technician, who then admitted that his team has disappointed in all the matches played so far in the duels with the giants of Serie A: 3-4 with Juventus, 1-3 with Napoli and now 0-1 with Milan.
“We have to do better. Despite four defeats in the league, we are three points away from first place. There are many teams. We have to do something better in the big games, because what we have done is not enough. We will find solutions, things that will allow us to win a game directly.
But without losing our identity. We need to improve mentally, but we have seen improvements since the failure with Napoli. I managed frustration better, now we need to improve our perception of danger”explained the Romanian technician.
Cristi Chivu on replacing Lautaro Martinez: “I can't change players?! It's my technical decision”
In front of DAZN's cameras, Chivu defended goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who many blamed for Pulisic's goal, and explained the substitution of Lautaro Martinez. “I don't focus on each individual player. For me, they are always the best. The way I see them every day, I could never come here and point the finger at anybody.
To do so would reek of failure. We're all in this together, for better or for worse. We could have done better, overcome the deadlock, manage the moments better. We have a duty to get back on our feet because we have an important game on Wednesday”, said Chivu, referring to the duel with Atletico in the Champions League.
Asked why he replaced Lautaro Martinez early, in the 64th minute, the Romanian replied: “I can't change players?! That's fine, but it's my technical decision. The players on the bench contribute and have done so constantly in the last twelve stages. The decision is mine.”
