Chivu: Inter forced into Milan changes but showed wrong attitude

Cristian Chivu disclosed that he was ‘forced’ compelled to implement his unconventional selections due to a flu virus circulating through the Inter ranks, yet succumbing so soon against Milan indicated ‘the wrong approach.’

The ex-defender possesses a distinctly poor record in the Derby della Madonnina, having lost all three of his managerial encounters against the Rossoneri.

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At least his side managed to register a goal this time via Alessandro Bastoni from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner, but they found themselves 2-0 behind within 10 minutes following strikes by Christian Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot.

Diego Moreira had already registered two assists when he bent a free kick over the defensive wall, and the 3-1 scoreline remained unchanged after the break, despite Inter controlling possession for the most part without much effect.

Chivu highlights Inter difficulties

VENICE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Head coach of FC Internazionale Cristian Chivu observes during the Serie A fixture between Venezia FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on October 28, 2026 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

“It hurts, it hurts to lose a derby where both we and everyone else had different expectations, for what the game represents and what we need to defend,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.

“Today we had to improvise considering the situations we had to deal with, which emerged in the last couple of days. We tried to get someone who was ready to grit their teeth, but it was tough.

“We had the wrong approach, then it wasn’t all a waste, because we scored for 2-1 and had the opportunity to draw level at 2-2 if not for that Maignan save. Then we gifted another goal just before half-time.

“It’s disappointing, we expected to do more than we did, we need to improve our approach and determination, which at times is lacking, and we need to turn the page because there’s another important game coming in in three days.”

ITALY – OCTOBER 31: Djed Spence of FC Internazionale in play during the Serie A contest between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 31, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Antonino Lagana/Getty Images)

Naturally, the initial inquiries concerned Chivu’s selections, as he introduced several notable surprises into his starting lineup.

The setup operated as a 3-4-2-1 structure featuring Petar Sucic and Andy Diouf in more advanced positions behind sole centre-forward Marcus Thuram.

Even without injured captain Lautaro Martinez, he maintained this single-striker approach and did not implement major alterations until the closing stages of the game.

“We were forced to change, because Pio Esposito has not been well, Bonny had a fever until 4.30pm and was vomiting all night, so we had to improvise,” revealed Chivu.

ITALY – OCTOBER 31: Andy Diouf of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 31, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Antonino Lagana/Getty Images)

The influenza was spreading among the players, as goalkeeper Ivan Provedel was not even included on the bench after developing symptoms as well.

“We were also convinced it was the right choice, because two players between the lines with two attacking wingers and Andy Diouf attacking the space, we thought it was the best solution at our disposal.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t go well, but we also had some good things, we caused Milan a lot of problems once we stepped up a gear. We too have to take the blame for the initial attitude, for our sluggishness when defending, we’ve got to rediscover the determination we had last season.”

This marks the eighth occasion in the last 11 competitive fixtures that Inter have fallen behind, yet the previous two matches against Fiorentina and Venezia were far from convincing displays, won only through late goals and two own goals.

ITALY – OCTOBER 31: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano scores his team’s opening goal during the Serie A game between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 31, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It’s not easy to play every three days with the same hunger once you won the previous season. We must do things with more intensity, determination and that starts with the right initial approach,” confessed Chivu.

“We are well aware that at times we reflect on past glories and what we built, so we need to rediscover that hunger and determination, especially when taking some things for granted. We’ve got to raise the level of concentration, then after that find consistency in everything that we do.”

This represents the first Serie A loss of the campaign for Inter, who now face the risk of being overtaken by Lazio, who play Cagliari on Sunday.