Inter loses lead in Serie A
Milan defeated Inter 3-1 in the Derby della Madonnina, marking Inter’s first loss of the Serie A season. This result drops Chivu’s side into second place, leaving Lazio as the sole leader before the Capital team plays Cagliari on Sunday, November 1, at 16:00. Chivu, age 46, has now lost three consecutive derbies against Milan, following the 0-1 losses in both matches of the previous season. The match was decided in the first half, as Inter produced a sterile attack and an avalanche of imprecise crosses. Chivu told Inter TV that he gave the opening of the match to the opposition due to the team’s attitude and mentality. "Le-am facut cadou inceputul de meci din cauza atitudinii, a mentalitatii," Chivu said. He noted that while the team improved to score for 2-1, Maignan’s save against a shot from Spence allowed the final goal to be scored. Inter was previously first in the standings due to goal difference, but Lazio now holds the lead without having played in round 10.
Tactical struggles and medical absences
The tactical shift to a 3-4-2-1 formation using Petar Sucic and Andy Diouf behind Marcus Thuram failed to provide the necessary offensive pressure. Nicolo Barella claimed that the lack of fresh offensive solutions affected the decisions of the coach, who had to search for a different formula because players like Pio and Bonny were unwell. Barella said, "Lipsa unor solutii proaspete pe faza ofensiva a afectat deciziile antrenorului, care a cautat sa incerce o formula diferita." Medical issues involving Pio and Bonny forced Chivu to improvise, as Bonny only became available in the afternoon after his fever subsided. Chivu decided that Diouf was the best solution to attack spaces given the circumstances. Barella stated that the team is paying a high price for individual and team errors and noted that they realized far too late that they could have destabilized the opponent’s defense between the lines. The midfielder also noted that the team must look in the mirror because their performances in derbies lack consistency. He observed that in some derbies they performed well without winning, while in others they played poorly and secured a draw. Chivu said the team must find positive aggressiveness like they had last season and must regain modesty and attention when playing every three days. He added that the team must regain its hunger for results to prepare for a match in Rotterdam on Tuesday.
Fan backlash and coaching reactions
The Inter fans in the Curva Nord reacted to the loss with a banner that read, "Un derby pierdut fara a juca. Nici macar n-a avut c…ie ca sa ne salute." This message criticized the players for their lack of attitude and for failing to salute the fans after the final whistle. Chivu admitted that the team lacks determination and a sense of danger. "Ne lipsesc determinarea si simtul pericolului," Chivu stated. He also observed a level of superficiality and nonchalance in the squad’s approach compared to the previous year. He noted that this is the first match the team has lost in their last 10 played games. Chivu said the team must rediscover its hunger for results and its determination to avoid complacency. Ruben Amorim, the Milan coach, said that the presence of Mario Gila, Diego Moreira, and Rabiot had a huge impact on the match. Amorim also noted that Luka Modric made a significant contribution in the second half as Milan maintained control of the ball. Amorim said the atmosphere at the San Siro was incredible and the passion was unique. He added that winning such matches helps show that the reconstruction of a team requires time. AC Milan owner Gerry Cardinale said the victory makes him want to cry and that character and resistance made the difference. He added that the team had faced a difficult program and too many injuries.
