Inter Milan's winless streak in the Derby della Madonnina extended to eight matches after a 3-1 loss to AC Milan, a run spanning three different Rossoneri coaches. The defeat continued a troubling pattern for the Nerazzurri, who have conceded 13 goals in the early stages of the 2026-2027 Serie A campaign — the most among the league's top five sides — with most coming in the first half.
Early Collapse and Tactical Concerns
Against their city rivals, Inter fell behind inside ten minutes through goals from Christian Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot. Alessandro Bastoni pulled one back before the break, but Diego Moreira's stunning free-kick restored Milan's two-goal cushion. The goal stemmed from Inter giving away possession twice in under 30 seconds, highlighting what midfielder Nicolo Barella described as a recurring mental and tactical issue. Head coach Cristian Chivu acknowledged responsibility for the approach, which has left the team vulnerable against elite opposition.
Injury Crisis Forces Tactical Overhaul
Chivu's options were severely limited by injuries to captain Lautaro Martinez, midfielder Curtis Jones, and defender John Stones, while strikers Francesco Pio Esposito and Yann Bonny were not fully fit. The coach responded by deploying Marcus Thuram as a lone striker supported by attacking midfielders Andy Diouf and Petar Sucic, with Djed Spence and Carlos Augusto on the wings. Notably, 2025-2026 season MVP Federico Dimarco was benched and only introduced later, reflecting his poor early-season form.
Defensive Frailties and Upcoming Test
The tactical adjustments failed to shore up Inter's defensive problems, and the performance suggested deeper issues within the squad. Despite the setback, the Nerazzurri remain near the top of the Serie A table. They face a crucial home fixture against Como at San Siro next week before the November international break, offering Chivu an opportunity to address the team's shortcomings.
