Former West Ham & Lazio Forward Reveals What Inter Milan Are Lacking In Big Matches But Still Names Nerazzurri As Title Favourites | OneFootball

Paolo Di Canio has offered a blunt assessment of Inter Milan following their late defeat to Atletico Madrid, praising the Nerazzurri overall but highlighting key shortcomings in high-pressure matches.

“When I see tired or distracted attitudes, like the defensive lapse in that play, I get angry as if I were on the pitch. In Europe, the level is high. It’s easy to slip,” he explained to La Repubblica, with quotes via FCInterNews.

Indeed, reflecting on the goal conceded in stoppage time.

The former West Ham and Lazio forward singled out attitude as the crucial factor holding Inter back.

“What’s missing in big games? Hunger and ruthlessness. Çalhanoglu loses the ball and pulls back. You’d need a Maldini or a Vialli on the pitch. Lautaro leaving the field shaking his head is not a good sign. And Bonny is fitter than Thuram. Chivu needs the courage to challenge the hierarchy,” Di Canio said.

Di Canio Still Sees Inter Milan As Scudetto Favourites

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Petar Sucic of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and ACF Fiorentina at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Despite criticism, he still sees Inter as Serie A favourites.

“Juve will fight for fourth with Roma and Bologna. The top three are Inter, Napoli, and Milan, we’ll see in what order.”

Despite Inter struggling against big clubs, Di Canio views the Nerazzurri as the strongest club in Italy.

His comments underline both confidence in the squad’s quality and concern over mentality in decisive moments, as Chivu navigates a tricky season balancing squad rotation and results.

The defeats to Milan and Atletico were hard to take, and perhaps unlucky.

However, Chivu’s side will look to bounce back on Sunday when they visit Pisa.