Juventus 4-3 Inter Milan – Chivu: “Failed To Understand Key Moments” & Adds “This Is The Real Calhanoglu” | OneFootball

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has praised his side’s “great performance” in their defeat to Juventus but admitted “we failed to understand the key moments.”

It was an up-and-down derby, with both sides leading the match at crucial points.

Juventus took the lead through English defender Lloyd Kelly before Hakan Calhanoglu equalised.

The Bianconeri moved back into the lead thanks to a wonderful long-range effort from Kenan Yildiz.

However, smart substitutions from Cristian Chivu and goals from Calhanoglu and Marcus Thuram gave the Nerazzurri the lead heading into the final 10 minutes of the game.

Khephren Thuram answer his brother Marcus’ goal with an equaliser seven minutes later before an injury time winner from Vasilije Adzic.

Chivu Says Inter Milan Delivered ‘Great Performance’ In Juventus Defeat

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, gestures during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu appeared proud of his side’s performance, despite the full-time result.

Following the words of Inter president Giuseppe Marotta earlier today, the Derby d’Italia goes far beyond the full-time score.

Speaking about the match, Chivu answered questions from DAZN, with quotes via FcInterNews.

The coach said “We delivered a great performance in both halves, we went behind twice and turned it around.

“Unfortunately,” he added, “we failed to understand the key moments.”

“However, we have to focus on the performance,” Chivu said, “we came here to try and control the game and win without settling. We lacked the clarity to realise that in the last 10 minutes, we needed something different.”

The coach refused to blame individuals for the loss, “I never look at things individually. It’s never fair to talk about just one player.”

“I only say that we needed to manage certain moments better. Juventus, when they were in difficulty, never hesitated to clear the ball upfield.”

Chivu Defends Under-Fire Calhanoglu After Brace Against Juventus

MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Bayern München and FC Internazionale Milano at Fussball Arena Muenchen on April 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Hakan Calhanoglu has been all over the media lately, attracting criticism from high-profile names such as Fabio Capello after a tumultuous summer.

The Turkish midfielder nearly left the Nerazzurri, with Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahce linked with the player in the summer.

The midfielder scored twice today, silencing the criticism.

Chivu was full of praise for the Turkish international, saying “Calha did what we expect from him, this is his quality.”

“This is the real Calhanoglu,” the coach added, “He can give us this.”

Chivu On Game Management And Inter Milan Progress

MONZA, ITALY – AUGUST 12: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Pre-season Friendly match between AC Monza and FC Internazionale at U-Power Stadium on August 12, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu clarified what he meant by understanding key moments.

“You need to understand the moments,” he said, “when you can or cannot do certain things.”

“You also have to manage a match in which you’ve spent a lot of energy to turn it around,” Chivu added.

“It’s a matter of mentality, habit and experience,” the coach said.

“We move forward, with the regret of not winning the game.”

He concluded with a remark on the team’s progress.

“Look at the performance, look at the good things we did today.

“We did the same against Udinese even if we didn’t take anything from it.

“You also have to erase some past events to have the clarity to get results. We are working well and hard.”