AC Milan 1-0 Inter Milan – Nerazzurri Head Coach Laments Derby Loss But Claims ‘A Different Result Wouldn’t Have Changed Much’ | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu cut a measured and self-critical figure after Inter Milan’s 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in Sunday’s derby, the Nerazzurri’s second consecutive loss in the fixture and their first league defeat in 15 matches.

The gap at the top of Serie A has been cut to seven points, and Inter missed their chance to deliver a decisive blow in the title race.

However, the Inter coach refused to let the result spiral into a crisis, immediately pointing to the ten games and thirty points that remain.

Speaking to DAZN, via FCInterNews, Chivu was unflinching in his analysis of a flat first half that handed Milan the platform for their victory.

“We had a below-par first half and conceded their goal. In the second half we raised the tempo and tried to do better, we had some chances and tried to surround their low block by changing the system too, but we could not equalise.”

On the difficulty Inter faced when reaching the byline without threatening, Chivu was candid.

“We arrived at the byline without having a good opportunity, a free ball to play into the box. The crosses became target practice for their defenders because we could never get ahead of the ball and strike it. But I repeat, it was a below-par first half without dynamism. They waited deep and looked to hit on the counter. We need to raise our level while continuing to do the good things we have done up to now.”

Milan 1-0 Inter – Chivu Accepts Responsibility For Derby Defeat

When pressed on whether the attacking display surprised him given the quality Inter normally produce even in defeat, Chivu accepted responsibility but refused to use his forwards as a scapegoat.

“We could and should have done better. The game always passes through the work of the attackers and today they were lacking, especially in the first half. But it is not an excuse. I am happy with what they tried to do, having only those two available. For a young player, playing these matches is always a good experience. We should have done better and taken the chances that did not go our way.”

On the controversial Ricci handball incident in the closing stages, Chivu closed the door firmly.

“For me there is a VAR and an AVAR who I believe made a check, I have nothing to say about it. I am thinking about the performance, about what we could have done better and about my own mistakes. We have ten games and thirty points to play for. We must march on and take what we have built.”

Asked whether he considered making a more attacking substitution earlier, the Inter coach was equally firm. “This was not the match to remove certainties from our group.”

On the significance of the next fixture against Atalanta, Chivu offered the line that best encapsulated his mindset.

“It is always seven points, we must continue with our performances. A different result tonight wouldn’t have changed much.”

Speaking separately to Inter TV, Chivu was equally direct.

“It is a disappointment. We had a mirrored first half but they were better at scoring. We could and should have done better, the attackers needed to produce good work but we were not able to create it. Today it was not enough, but let us not forget everything good we have done up to now. We must be the best version of ourselves and think about winning the next one. No calculations now, the next game must be won.”