Chivu: Derby della Madonnina Is Added Motivation But Not Decisive for Inter’s Title Hopes

FolioPitch.com – 30 October 2026 | Cristian Chivu has moved to temper the anticipation surrounding the first Derby della Madonnina of the season, insisting that while Chivu A derby is always an added motivation but it s not decisive in the broader context of the Serie A title race. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Inter head coach acknowledged the unique energy that surrounds a clash with city rivals Milan but was keen to stress that the outcome will not define his team’s campaign.

League leaders Inter travel to face Milan at 19.45 GMT on Saturday evening, looking to end a frustrating run of seven matches without a victory against the Rossoneri. Despite winning both the Scudetto and Coppa Italia last season, Inter lost both of their league fixtures against Milan in 2025-26 and have not beaten their neighbours since April 2024. That record of five defeats and two draws in the last seven meetings adds extra spice to the occasion, but Chivu remains measured in his approach.

“They’re ready and aware of the fact that it’s a derby. It’s always an added motivation to play in this game. The table doesn’t matter, it doesn’t count for anything,” Chivu said. The Nerazzurri coach was keen to emphasise that Chivu A derby is always an added motivation but it s not decisive when it comes to the final standings, pointing to last season’s lessons. “Last season taught me that the derby is not decisive. It’s a big Serie A challenge, like always, three points are up for grabs. History reminds us that Milan won in the first leg last year, then lost to Lazio in Rome when everyone thought the table had been re-opened. It’s only the 10th game of the season.”

Chivu’s comments reflect a manager determined to keep his players grounded amid the feverish build-up to the derby. He dismissed suggestions that his side need extra motivation, stating: “We have to treat it as a league game. We can’t just be satisfied with what we’ve done so far. We have to be the best version of ourselves. We also have to ask questions of ourselves if we haven’t won in the last seven derbies. Isolated incidents, moments have gone in their favour, like the first game last year. We have to make a few more sacrifices.”

The Inter coach also addressed the tactical challenge posed by Milan, warning of their technical quality and ability to hurt his team. “It’s all about balance, both in terms of what you’ve got in your legs and in your mind. You have to know when to decide to do certain things. We know Milan’s strengths and how they can hurt us. They’re a good technical team, we have to be ready to maintain our compactness and to cover in depth.”

When asked about his desire to restore pride after the seven-match winless run against Milan, Chivu reiterated his focus on the bigger picture. “There are no favourites in derbies. There is a lot of desire and ambition. You need to find the energy and the motivation. There is pressure on everyone, but we can’t think too much about that. You just have to do the right things.” Once again, the message was clear: Chivu A derby is always an added motivation but it s not decisive in the grand scheme of the season.

Chivu also touched on the new stadium plans recently revealed by Inter and Milan, admitting mixed feelings. “I have to be careful what I say. I’m in favour of the new, the world moves on. On the other hand, I am sorry: I gave a lot as a player at San Siro. But the world goes on and we have to accept it. The future can be scary, but it will bring joy once we’re all used to it.” Asked if he expects to still be in charge when the new stadium opens, he laughed: “I won’t say anything, there’s still another four years to go. It’s hard to stay put for that many years, but if the sporting culture changes, then probably.”

On team selection, Chivu confirmed that Carlos Augusto remains an option both as a wing-back and as a defender, while the goalkeeping situation with Josep Martinez was left open: “We’ll see tomorrow.” The coach also highlighted Inter’s resilience this season, having won 13 points from losing positions, and stressed the importance of defensive solidity. “I’ve had coaches who start from the principle that teams should not concede. I’m not the sort of coach who prefers to attack rather than defend. You have to understand the moments in games and the moments when you have to give everything. I get angry at those who get complacent or put too much trust in their teammates and forget the basic team principles. I always start from the fact that when we talk about defending, we are talking about 11 players who need to have clarity in what they are doing.”

Asked whether he would accept a 0-0 draw, Chivu was non-committal: “I don’t know, if you lose 1-0 it’s bad but you’re happy if you win 1-0. Although if Inter do it, they always find something to say about it. I want my players to give everything and to go out there with their heads held high and to be able to say that they tried.”

In conclusion, Chivu’s pre-match remarks paint a picture of a coach who respects the derby’s significance but refuses to let it overshadow the season’s larger objectives. While Chivu A derby is always an added motivation but it s not decisive for the title race, the Inter boss knows that a victory at San Siro would provide a significant psychological boost and restore pride after a barren run against Milan. As the Nerazzurri prepare for battle, the focus remains on balance, sacrifice and the pursuit of consistency.