Inter Milan Manager Sends Message to Juventus Defender After Derby d’Italia Scandal: “If I Offended Anyone, I Apologize” | OneFootball

Inter Milan manager Cristian Chivu addressed the Derby d’Italia controversy ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt.

Speaking to Prime Video via FCInterNews, the 45-year-old coach issued an apology to Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti and defender Pierre Kalulu.

The Nerazzurri secured a late 3-2 win in Saturday’s blockbuster fixture at San Siro.

Indeed, Piotr Zielinski’s last-gasp winner fired Inter to a pivotal victory against 10-man Juventus.

However, a controversial end to the first half overshadowed Inter’s triumph.

Indeed, Alessandro Bastoni drew a phantom red card for Juventus star Kalulu, leaving the Bianconeri with a mountain to climb in the second half.

In addition to facing fierce backlash from fans, the 26-year-old has received death threats on social media.

Meanwhile, the club has stood behind the Italian center-back, with Chivu trying to protect his first-team stalwart during yesterday’s press conference.

Inter Milan Boss Cristian Chivu Comments on Derby d’Italia Scandal

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter will take on Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their knockout playoff tie tonight.

“A two-legged tie where we must give everything to go through, fully aware that playing here isn’t easy,” Cristian Chivu said.

“It’s the first leg, and we have to show maturity.

“These are two crucial matches. It will be difficult because of the synthetic pitch, the climate, and the speed of the surface, which changes a lot.

”That’s why we chose to hold our official training session here, to get used to everything.

“We know how important this game is, and we must be ready to accept any conditions, even when they’re not in our favor.”

“We have what we deserve,” Chivu added. “But we weren’t able to do better in some matches. We were one point short.

“Our ambition is to reach the Round of 16 and we’ll do everything to be there.

“We’ve recovered energy after the Juve game and hope we didn’t spend too much.

“We know this is a different competition where you must be at 100%.

“Bastoni? I described what I saw on the pitch. If I offended anyone or if Spalletti thinks I was wrong.

“I could apologize, but I didn’t want to put Kalulu in a difficult position. I said what you see in a split-second situation.

“If you extend your arm while already booked, you risk putting the referee in a position to make decisions that sometimes aren’t favorable.”