Inter Milan 0-1 AC Milan – Nerazzurri Head Coach Worried: “This Defeat Could Leave Some Marks”

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu fears the possible mental repercussions of last night’s Derby della Madonnina defeat.

During his post-match interview with FCInterNews, Chivu expressed his concerns about the potential psychological impact.

Despite outperforming AC Milan, Inter suffered a gut-wrenching 1-0 defeat in last night’s clash at San Siro.

Indeed, Cristian Chivu’s side amassed a resounding 20 shots, including six on target.

Furthermore, Hakan Calhanoglu squandered a penalty for only the second time in eight years.

However, it’s worth mentioning that Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan produced the performance of a lifetime.

In contrast, Yann Sommer faltered once again, significantly contributing to Christian Pulisic’s winning strike.

As a result, the Rossoneri extended their unbeaten streak against Inter to six matches in all competitions.

More importantly, the Nerazzurri fell behind their arch-rivals in the Serie A table, slipping a point behind Massimiliano Allegri’s team.

Last night’s loss could have a significant psychological impact on Chivu’s lads.

Cristian Chivu Fears Mental Consequences of Inter 0-1 AC Milan Loss

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“The team that scores one more always wins,” Chivu admitted. “Unfortunately, today it was them. Ours was a good performance – we kept our balance and maturity.

“On the only counterattack we conceded, we let in a goal. That’s football. We tried to turn it around.

“Maybe we lacked composure in front of goal. But there was a reaction; we hit the post twice and missed a penalty.

“Credit goes to the opponents, who played with focus and organisation. We weren’t able to find the spark to unlock it or equalize.

“We must do better. Despite four league defeats, we’re only three points off the top – there are plenty of teams up there.

“We need to do more in the big matches because what we’ve done so far isn’t enough.

“We’ll find solutions, things that will allow us to win a head-to-head clash. But without losing our identity.

“We need to add something mentally, but I saw improvements compared to Naples.

“We managed frustration better; now we need to improve our sense of danger.”

Cristian Chivu Plays Down ‘Milan Complex’

SEVILLE, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 20: Andy Diouf of RC Lens looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between Sevilla FC and RC Lens at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 20, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Asked whether Inter are suffering from a ‘Milan complex,’ Chivu replied: “I saw a good performance – a focused team, the best version we could be today.

“It wasn’t enough; we had to do more. I saw the desire to break the taboo in head-to-head matches.

“In the first 15 minutes, we were always in their half.

“We hit a post and a crossbar. In the second half, we lost a second ball and couldn’t stop the move.”

Finally, he hailed second-half substitute Andy Diouf for a decent cameo performance.

Indeed, the French midfielder made a rare Serie A appearance, replacing Francesco Acerbi in the 85th minute.

Despite his limited time on the pitch, the former Lens star showed glimpses of his talent.

“Given his characteristics and what he has shown, he always prefers to cut inside,” Chivu claimed.

“He did some good things; we’re happy with how he has integrated.

“Tonight, we needed that type of player who can beat his man.”