Chivu says Inter must embrace Milan derby challenge as new era approaches

Cristian Chivu says the Milan derby provides Inter with extra motivation but insists Saturday’s meeting with Milan will not determine the Serie A title race, with the season only at its 10th round.

The league leaders travel to face their city rivals in the first Derby della Madonnina of the campaign. Inter won both Serie A and the Coppa Italia last season, but struggled against Milan in 2025-26, losing both league meetings.

Inter’s most recent derby victory came in April 2024 and they have failed to win any of their past seven matches against Milan, losing five and drawing two.

“Everyone is ready and understands that this is a derby,” Chivu said at his news conference on Friday, according to Football Italia. “Playing in these matches is always an additional motivation. The league table does not matter here and has no value.”

Chivu said Inter would need to maintain their structure against a Milan side capable of making a quick impact in matches.

“It is about complete balance, both physically and mentally,” he said. “You need to understand the right moment to make certain decisions. We know Milan’s strengths and how they can hurt us. They have a great deal of technical quality, so we must be ready to stay compact, keep our lines close together and provide cover through the middle.”

Asked whether Inter were motivated by a desire to restore their pride after going seven derbies without a win, Chivu said the match should be approached like any other league fixture.

“We have to treat it as a normal league game,” he said. “What we have done so far is not enough; we have to be the best version of ourselves. We must also examine ourselves if we have not won the last seven derbies. The details and decisive moments went their way, as happened in the first meeting last year, and we have to make greater sacrifices.”

However, Chivu said one defeat would not define Inter’s season, just as it had not done so last year.

“The lesson I learned from last season is that a derby is not decisive,” he said. “It is a major Serie A fixture, as always, but there are only three points at stake.”

He added that Milan’s victory in last season’s first meeting was followed by their defeat by Lazio in Rome, when many believed the title contest had been reignited.

“There are only 10 rounds gone,” Chivu said. “Of course, pride, determination and making the supporters happy also matter. Things are not easy if you do not win.”

Discussing plans for a new stadium recently revealed by the city’s two clubs, Chivu joked that he had to choose his words carefully when asked whether he expected to remain in charge until its opening.

“I support renewal because the world is moving forward, but I am also sad because I gave so much as a player at San Siro,” he said. “Life goes on and we have to accept it. The future may seem a little frightening, but it will bring happiness once we get used to it.”

Asked if he could still be Inter’s manager when they move, Chivu replied: “I will not say anything. We still have four years ahead of us. It is difficult to stay in the same place for all those years, but if the sporting culture changes, perhaps it could happen.”