Why defeat to Milan can bring about deep wounds for Inter | OneFootball

Milan shines red and black this week as it was the Rossonerri who seized all three points against Inter in this year’s first edition of the Derby di Milano.

In what was arguably Christian Chivu’s most significant test since taking over at the helm of Inter, it is fair to say that the former Parma coach arrived well prepared with a strong tactical set-up in-possession and a well balanced back-line for the most part.

The Nerazzurri had the opportunity to find the opening goal in the first few minutes as Marcus Thuram’s header was parried by shot-stopper Mike Maignan in fine fashion.

Despite a wave of roughly 15 minutes in which Milan caused menace through their direct-counter attacking football as a result of the Beneamata’s inaccurate, sloppy passing, Inter were in control and well balanced throughout the first half.

However, the grave issue in failing to convert goal scoring occasions in big affairs continues to linger as despite causing havoc through the short-passing in swift fashion in combination with their creative runs, veteran Francesco Acerbi’s header and Lautaro’s travels strike from six yards out failed to find the back of the net, keeping Milan alive.

Despite a strong start to the second 45, the Rossonerri proved to be resilient and focused on the game-plan as a loose ball in the central area of the pitch enabled the Rossonerri to be deadly in transition, with Christian Pulisic capitalizing on a very fortunate rebound left by shot-stopper Yann Sommer to break the deadlock for the Diavolo.

The Nerazzurri continued dictating the play and dominating in possession trying to move vertically. However, coach Max’s Allegri men displayed their remarkable ability to suffer, remaining in low-block and absorbing the waves of attacks in impressive fashion.

The roots of the defensive masterclass stemmed from Mike Maignan, as the French international rose to the occasion in making a superb save against Hakan Calhanoglu in the 74th minute of play, keeping the Rossonerri alive and enabling them to seize all three points.

From possessing the opportunity to move five points clear of Milan and keep the pace with Roma towards the scudetto, it is fair to say that the Derby Della Madonnina defeat could foreshadow early signs of crisis for the Biscione.

As a result of the defeat against the Rossonerri, Inter have lost their sixth consecutive derby, suffered eight goals against direct rivals Napoli, Juventus, and Milan this season thus far, and have yet to have won a single match against their most prominent rivals since the 2024/25.

A major concern looms around the Nerazzurri as this trend is growing into a mental block, which could cost Inter the scudetto once more albeit having the most superior squad on paper and being only three points off three points clear of Roma.

In addition, with Athletico, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Borussia Dortmund lined up as their last four opponents in the second half of the Champions League group-stage, very reasonable question marks are raised if Inter will be able to avoid an early exit after their Champions League final appearance last season against PSG.

Julian Faustini | GIFN