Inter Milan, under coach Cristi Chivu, is facing significant defensive challenges this season. While the team continues to score at a similar rate as last year’s first half, their defense has become markedly weaker. This has cost them dearly in the current Champions League group stage, where they have already conceded six goals and a total of 14 across all competitions, compared to just seven in their first eight matches of the 2025-2026 season.
In fact, Josep Martinez has managed to keep a clean sheet in only two matches this season, winning 1-0 against Cagliari and 3-0 against Parma. In the remaining games, they have allowed at least two goals, struggling particularly against strong opponents. Despite making comebacks in four matches, their fifth attempt ended in defeat.
Conversion of San Siro’s Fortress
The team’s performance against Club Brugge further solidified concerns about Inter’s defensive capabilities. The iconic San Siro, once a fortress, has witnessed ten goals conceded in the first eight matches of both Serie A and the Champions League. Inter managed to score 22 goals in the same period but allowed 14 goals, including four during the Derby d’Italia against Juventus.
Chivu’s position last year was precarious, especially after defeats to Udinese and Juventus, which led many to call for his dismissal and the return of Jose Mourinho. Nonetheless, after a rocky start, he led the team to impressive domestic performances, winning comfortably at home while conceding only four goals.
This season, while Inter has secured all home victories in Serie A, they have already conceded ten goals overall in league and Champions League play. As noted by Sportmediaset, this is not the ambitious Inter we have grown accustomed to seeing in recent years.
Defensive Errors Plague Inter’s Strategy
The report highlights the defensive lapses under Chivu’s leadership, noting, “Last year, Chivu was a rookie coach taking over a top club with a fragile squad after a disastrous end to the 2024-2025 season.” Although he initially struggled, he managed to stabilize the team and instill a sense of belief, appearing to set them on a path for success in the Champions League.
This year, however, expectations were higher, aided by transfers made at Chivu’s request. Yet, while the offensive output has remained steady, the defense is failing. “There are too many distractions and individual errors,” the assessment reads.
Missed Opportunities in Defense Reinforcements
Critically, Sportmediaset points out that Inter should have recruited at least one defender akin to Cristian Romero, who left for Atletico Madrid. The analysis of the current defensive lineup suggests that players such as Akanji appear slower than last season, while Bastoni has struggled despite seeming fully recovered. Pavard’s desire to remain has not translated into consistent performances, and Stones faced early injury setbacks.
While Inter’s defenders possess technical skill, they seem to lack two vital characteristics: compactness and fighting spirit, qualities embodied by veterans Acerbi and De Vrij last season. The report concludes that failing to renew their contracts was not a mistake, but rather a missed opportunity to bring in a defender who could embody those necessary traits, highlighting the regret over allowing Romero to slip away to Atletico Madrid.
