Derby Defeat, Big Plans: Inter's Project Stays on Track Despite Milan Loss
24 November 2025
Inter’s Derby Resolve Remains Unshaken
Marcus Thuram, Inter’s star, said after the derby that the defeat to Milan would not dent the Nerazzurri’s confidence in their coach or the project under way. He stressed that a single loss cannot change the team’s direction or their beliefs.
In the first half, Inter pressed relentlessly and hit the woodwork twice, through Acerbi and Lautaro Martinez, but Christian Pulisic struck the game’s only goal for Milan, sealing a 1-0 victory.
Hakan Calhanoglu had a chance to level from a penalty after Thuram was fouled, but Maignan saved brilliantly.
Asked about what looked like a bit of bad luck in the first half after Maignan’s one-handed save on a header, Thuram admitted the ball should perhaps have been directed differently as it came from one side.
Inter’s record against the top sides this season is difficult: losses to Juventus, Napoli and Milan, a lone win over Roma, and a draw with Juventus even when in control of play.
Thuram said that solutions will come with the coach, who is a great mentor, and that there are many matches left in the season; this was a big game in November, not the end of the road.
Defensively, Inter appeared vulnerable on counters, highlighting the need for improvement in that phase.
Thuram explained that while the team desires more possession, losing the ball often invites danger on the break. He added that Milan and Real Madrid are among the most dangerous counter-attacking sides in Europe.
He concluded that the defeat does not alter their faith in the coach or the project and that progress remains the goal, with more games ahead.
With the win, Milan rose to 25 points and moved to second, two behind the leaders Roma, while Inter stood at 24 points in fourth place.
Match snapshot: Inter started in blue and pressed Milan early, nearly opening the score from a corner that Acerbi headed off the post, and again from a Lautaro Martinez effort that narrowly missed. Milan responded with a counter and a strike that hit the post, keeping the game finely balanced.
In the second half, a late drama unfolded as a foul on Thuram earned Inter a penalty that Maignan saved again, preserving Milan’s lead. Another chance for Inter to draw level went begging as a shot narrowly missed in the final minutes.
Inter finished the game with several changes as Milan held firm to clinch a 1-0 victory.
Punchline 1: If Inter’s master plan were a stand-up set, tonight’s act would be titled, The Derby That Didn’t Deliver the Ending—yet there’s still a sequel in the cards.
Punchline 2: In Milan, even the coffee beans are plotting counter-attacks; the defense just brewed a stronger espresso tonight.
