Inter Milan’s title statement delayed after Derby defeat

Chivu hopes injured stars return as Nerazzurri miss chance to seal title race

The performance from Inter Milan in the derby did not resemble a team ready to close the Serie A title race. 

Now coach Cristian Chivu is hoping to recover several key injured players as the season enters its decisive phase.

According to Tuttosport via Fcinter1908, the Romanian manager was visibly disappointed after the 1-0 defeat to AC Milan. 

It was his second derby in charge of Inter Milan’s first team and his second defeat, with AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri managing to outmaneuver him during several moments of the match.

A different Inter Milan than usual

Inter Milan did try to impose themselves and could even have taken the lead in the first half through an individual move from Henrikh Mkhitaryan. 

However, the Nerazzurri never displayed the energetic and dominant style that has characterized much of their Serie A campaign.

The absence of several key players heavily affected the team. Captain Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram were unavailable, while Hakan Calhanoglu started on the bench. Meanwhile, Denzel Dumfries was only partially fit and came on during the second half.

Dumfries sharper than Luis Henrique

When Dumfries replaced Luis Henrique after the break, the Dutch wingback looked far more alert than the Brazilian. 

Tuttosport notes that Luis Henrique bears significant responsibility for the decisive goal scored by Pervis Estupinan.

The moment recalled a famous defensive mistake in a derby from November 2002, when Nelson Vivas misjudged a play that allowed Rivaldo to set up the winning goal for Serginho.

A question of attitude

While many of Chivu’s tactical choices were forced by injuries, the aspect that disappointed many Inter Milan supporters was the team’s attitude. 

The Nerazzurri appeared to suffer both AC Milan’s pressure and the weight of a match that could have practically sealed the title race.

Inter Milan were first surprised by AC Milan’s pressing and then punished by a typical attacking move from the Rossoneri, something they had certainly prepared for during training sessions at Appiano Gentile Training Centre.

With several matches still to play, Inter Milan remain firmly in control of the title race, but the derby defeat served as a reminder that the championship is not yet decided.