Mkhitaryan Silences Derby Critics: ‘We Play to Win the Scudetto, Not Just the Derby’

FolioPitch.com – 19 July 2026 | Henrikh Mkhitaryan has downplayed Inter Milan‘s poor recent derby record against AC Milan, insisting that the primary objective is winning the Serie A title. In a press conference at the Suning Training Centre, the Armenian midfielder made his position clear when asked about the Nerazzurri’s winless streak against their city rivals. Mkhitaryan comments on derby record against Milan We play to win the Scudetto, a statement that underscores the club’s broader ambitions despite losing bragging rights in the Derby della Madonnina.

Inter have not beaten Milan since September 2022, a run that now spans seven matches, with the Rossoneri claiming five wins and two draws in that period. The most recent derby defeats – both 1-0 scorelines – added to the frustration among Interisti. However, Mkhitaryan remains unperturbed. ‘Not just Milan. We were disappointed that we didn’t win against the other big teams too, but that’s football. Winning the league was important. Ultimately, we are playing to win the Scudetto. We will try to win these games this season too,’ he stated.

The midfielder’s remarks highlight a pragmatic approach within the Inter camp. While derby losses sting, the ultimate measure of success is silverware. In the 2024-25 season, Milan won both derbies yet finished 18 points behind Inter in the league table. The gap was even larger in 2023-24, when Inter romped to the title with 94 points, 19 more than Milan. Mkhitaryan comments on derby record against Milan We play to win the Scudetto, effectively reminding critics that head-to-head results do not define a season.

This perspective is rooted in Inter’s recent dominance on the domestic front. Under Simone Inzaghi, the Nerazzurri have won two Serie A titles in three seasons, while Milan have not lifted the Scudetto since 2021-22. The tactical evolution at Inter has prioritized consistency over flashy derby wins. Mkhitaryan, a key figure in midfield, embodies this philosophy. His ability to control tempo and break lines has been instrumental in Inter’s league campaigns, even if derby performances have faltered.

The narrative around the derby has shifted dramatically. For years, Inter held a stranglehold, but since October 2022, Milan have dominated. Yet, as Mkhitaryan points out, the trophy cabinet tells a different story. ‘We are playing to win the Scudetto,’ he reiterated, a mantra that aligns with the club’s long-term vision. His comments also serve as a challenge to Milan: winning derbies is futile if you cannot maintain a title challenge.

Looking ahead, Inter will seek to end their derby drought when the two sides meet later this season. But for Mkhitaryan, the focus remains on the bigger prize. ‘We will try to win these games this season too,’ he added, acknowledging the importance of rivalry matches without overstating their significance. The veteran’s words reflect a mature understanding that in modern football, consistency over 38 rounds matters more than any single fixture.

Mkhitaryan comments on derby record against Milan We play to win the Scudetto – a phrase that will likely be repeated by Inter fans and pundits alike. It encapsulates the club’s mindset: short-term setbacks do not derail long-term goals. As Inter prepare for the new season, the message is clear – the Scudetto remains the target, regardless of what happens in the derby.

In conclusion, while the Derby della Madonnina remains one of football’s most intense rivalries, Mkhitaryan’s remarks place the fixture in proper context. Inter may have lost the battle recently, but they are winning the war. The Armenian’s calm dismissal of the derby record underscores a champion’s mentality – one that values trophies over transient bragging rights. For Inter, the ultimate rival is not just Milan, but the challenge of repeating as Serie A champions.