Italian newspapers highlight the big differences between Ruben Amorim and Cristian Chivu in Milan’s 3-1 win over Inter, calling the Nerazzurri boss’ decisions ‘disastrously reckless.’
Amorim’s Milan beat Chivu’s Inter 3-1 on Saturday night, in the first derby della Madonnina of the 2026-27 campaign.
Summer signing Diego Moreira inspired the Rossoneri’s victory, scoring once and assisting twice, while Italy international Alessandro Bastoni scored Inter’s only goal of the night.
Coaches were inevitably in the spotlight. Amorim welcomed back Adrien Rabiot, Mario Gila and Diego Moreira from injuries, while Inter’s Chivu had to deal with Lautaro Martinez’s injury and the poor fitness of Francesco Pio Esposito and Ange-Yoan Bonny.
The pair was introduced with less than ten minutes remaining, with Marcus Thuram playing most of the match as a sole striker.
Italian newspapers’ player ratings highlighted the difference between Chivu and Amorim, with the Nerazzurri boss drawing heavy media criticism.
Chivu hasn’t won a derby yet as Inter coach, and the Nerazzurri’s last win over their city rivals dates back to April 2024.
“Milan went after the game from the outset and really got stuck in. They set up in a well-balanced formation and deservedly took the win,” Tuttosport wrote about Amorim, rating the Portuguese coach 7.5/10.
Gazzetta rated Amorim 8/10 and added: “He silenced critics and secured an authoritative win. His tactical decisions were spot on, and the return of several injured players helped.”
Chivu, on the other hand, was rated 5/10 by the pink paper: “Battered by an injury crisis, he started just one striker for the first time in 48 league matches. It made no difference as he lost his third derby.”
Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport were even harsher on the Romanian tactician: “His decision to reshuffle the tactical setup proved disastrously reckless, ultimately undermining his players’ confidence at a time when they were already lacking sharpness,” wrote CS, rating Chivu 4.5. “His game management was even less convincing.”
Lastly, Tuttosport noted: “The starting XI was likely influenced by players not being fully fit; the approach was wrong again. Going 2-0 down inside ten minutes is not something you can always come back from.”
