The Milan Derby is always significant, but this one carries extra weight, potentially deciding a substantial portion of the Scudetto title race. Coach Chivu faces an immediate opportunity for redemption, following heavy criticism after Inter’s Champions League elimination by Bodo and a lackluster performance in the Coppa Italia against Como.
However, this crucial clash against AC Milan demands answers not just from Chivu. Marcus Thuram, for instance, has his future at stake. Young Pio Esposito also carries the immense responsibility of stepping into captain Lautaro Martinez’s shoes and ensuring his absence isn’t felt.
Chivu’s Inter Under the Microscope in the Derby
The underwhelming Inter side seen against Como mirrored the equally disappointing team eliminated in the Champions League playoffs by Bodo. This raises a crucial question: What is the true identity of Chivu’s squad?
The Romanian coach, who was highly praised just weeks ago, now appears to be losing momentum, both on the field and off, with statements that often ignite debate and fuel controversy. The upcoming match against AC Milan presents an opportunity to avenge the first leg defeat, extend their lead to +13, effectively sealing the Scudetto race, and break their curse in direct confrontations against top rivals.
Tactical Moves to Overcome Allegri’s Milan
The 58 minutes played against Como gave the green light: this Sunday evening, former Milan player Hakan Çalhanoğlu will start, aiming to put behind him the penalty missed in the first derby act at the San Siro. It is around the Turkish midfielder, whose future might lie outside Italy, that Chivu intends to build a midfield capable of outsmarting Allegri, as the battle for supremacy in the center of the park often decides the derby.
The strategy involves a sort of double playmaking system with Zieliński as a left central midfielder, ready to deputize for Hakan in the deep-lying playmaker role. Barella will be tasked with bringing aggression and dynamism. On the right flank, another anticipated change is the return of Dumfries to the starting lineup, who played the final 33 minutes against Fàbregas’s team. Upfront, there’s good news: Bonny is recovered, though he is expected to be a solution introduced later in the game.
Thuram Under Scrutiny, Trust in Pio Esposito
With Lautaro Martinez sidelined, the attacking burden against AC Milan will fall on Thuram and Pio Esposito. While the ‘golden boy’ from Castellammare di Stabia, who has caught Arsenal’s eye, has been scoreless for four matches, the French striker, son of the legendary Lilian Thuram, has become a pale imitation of the devastating player admired at the start of the season.
For Chivu, however, nothing has changed: there is still maximum confidence in ‘Tikus,’ despite his worrying statistics. His last goal dates back to February 8th against Sassuolo, and he has managed only three goals in what has been a largely unsatisfying 2026 so far. The derby is a showcase for both players: Thuram needs to convince Marotta that he is not the big name to be sold in the summer, while Pio Esposito must prove he is ready to be promoted to a permanent starting role.