Inter Milan 3-2 Juventus – Nerazzurri Coach Reveals Reason For Italy Star’s Substitution And Praises Character In Important Derby Win | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu believes Inter’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Juventus could represent a psychological turning point in their season.

A last-gasp strike from Piotr Zielinski secured Inter’s first win against one of Serie A’s traditional heavyweights in a long time. The result also allowed the Nerazzurri to keep their rivals at bay in the title race.

Speaking to Sky Sport after the final whistle, Chivu admitted his team struggled but praised their resilience.

“We were blocked in terms of our play and what we wanted to propose, and we suffered,” he said.

“We hadn’t won a direct clash for two years and the players felt that. But with heart and by doing what was necessary, we managed to win it.”

He continued: “I take the victory, the character and the desire to always hurt a team that puts everyone in difficulty because of their rotations and their qualities, both individual and collective. They are a top side and deserve compliments.”

Chivu On Kalulu’s Red Card

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, looks on prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Chivu also addressed the dismissal of Pierre Kalulu.

“The contact is light, but it’s there, it’s a touch,” he explained.

“Even I, especially in the Champions League, have suffered light touches. I tell my players not to put the referee in a position to decide. The contact is soft, but my player feels the hand. An experienced player like Kalulu must know that in certain situations you keep your hands to yourself.”

When asked whether he would have accepted a similar second yellow as a player, Chivu was clear.

“With a yellow card already, I don’t put my hands on an opponent, especially in a situation where he’s beaten and we’re about to counter.”

Inter 3-2 Juventus – Head Coach Reveals Why Bastoni Came Off

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 25: Alessandro Bastoni of Internazionale looks on during the warm up prior to 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)

One of the key tactical decisions came at halftime, when Alessandro Bastoni left the pitch.

“I took him off because I was worried about Conceição. If he had stayed on, I would have left Bastoni on the field.”

The coach hinted that the substitution aimed to prevent potential danger in wide areas rather than to avoid a red card.

Inter 3-2 Juventus – Chivu: “I Hope This Is The Turning Point”

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of Internazionale, looks on prior to 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)

Despite the win, Chivu did not hide his dissatisfaction with the overall performance.

“I hope today’s victory is the turning point, especially for the mental and physical block we’ve suffered. I didn’t like the team. We didn’t show what we prepared.”

However, he stressed the importance of finally overcoming the psychological barrier in big matches.

“I reminded the players that we won an important match in Dortmund, but today we felt the lack of a win against a big side. Juventus deserve credit. They caused us problems with their rotations and style of play. They are a team in good form and even with ten men they equalised and put us under pressure.”

Chivu concluded by highlighting the decisive moment.

“In the final moments at 2-1 we should have managed it better. Maybe fear of not winning affected us. But in the end, the team’s character came out and they brought it home with a great goal from Zielinski.”

For Inter, this derby win was more than just three points. It was a statement of resilience, and perhaps the breakthrough they needed.