"IT’S ON ME": CRISTIAN CHIVU ADMITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR INTER’S EARLY DEFENSIVE CHAOS
Cristian Chivu analyses Inter’s 6-2 comeback win, taking the blame for defensive errors while praising Federico Dimarco’s impact.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu couldn’t hide how impressed he was with his team after their wild 6-2 win over Pisa. Even after Swiss keeper Yann Sommer’s early mistake gifted Pisa the opening goal, Chivu took the blame: “That’s on me.”
Inter actually fell behind by two at home, but they roared back before halftime and then piled on three more goals in the second half. Not a bad way to kick off Week 22.
Chivu didn’t hesitate to shake things up. In the 34th minute, he swapped Luis Henrique for Federico Dimarco—a move that changed everything. Dimarco was everywhere, scoring one and assisting another. No wonder he took home Man of the Match.
Chivu told DAZN, “A match lasts 100 minutes, and you can always turn it around.” That confidence paid off. Sure, Pisa’s Stefano Moreo lobbed in a beauty from 30 yards, but Sommer only got caught out because Chivu had told him to play out from the back. “That’s my fault,” Chivu admitted. “I’m the one asking the keeper to do certain things, and sometimes I make it hard for Yann.”
After conceding again from a set piece, Inter didn’t fold. “Pride, quality, intensity—we showed all of that. The attitude matters most. You suffer sometimes, but it’s your reaction that counts. We did really well,” Chivu said.
He didn’t ignore the missed chances either. “We could’ve made it 4-2 earlier, but instead we waited until the end. Still, hats off to the boys. They give everything to keep this season competitive and prove we’re pushing for our goals.”
Pio Esposito put Inter ahead just before halftime with his third league goal of the season. Chivu praised him too. “He’s hungry to prove himself. He takes responsibility, just like everyone else. And if things go wrong, that’s on me—I push them hard. But I’m glad they believe in what we’re doing.”
Chivu even showed up late for his post-match interview because he needed treatment from Inter’s doctors. “I’m loaded up on painkillers for my back,” he joked. “Tomorrow, my kids want me fresh, and my wife expects it too. I need to be ready for them.”
When asked if he’d still watch Juventus-Napoli or Roma-Milan on Sunday, Chivu grinned. “That question again, huh? Honestly, I love football—it’s more than just a job to me. Sometimes I get tired because I watch so many matches, but you have to learn. If I get the chance, I’ll watch, but my family comes first. I already spend so much time with the team, and sometimes I’m not the best husband or father. They deserve my attention. Sometimes, you just have to switch off and be with your loved ones. Football’s great, but family always wins.”
PULISIC HITS BACK: MILAN STAR SHUTS DOWN 2026 GOAL DROUGHT CONCERNS
"I haven't stopped dreaming." Christian Pulisic addresses his goal drought and the frustration of missing out on the Gold Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic isn’t holding back. When critics started questioning his recent form and worried about his 2026 goal drought, he shut them down, calling those concerns “bad questions". The AC Milan forward, fresh off his Time magazine cover, still trusts his ability to step up for the USMNT as they gear up to co-host the World Cup.
All eyes are on him.
The U.S. is set to share the stage for the 2026 World Cup, and Pulisic is set to become the go-to guy for the national team. Landing on the cover of Time isn’t something soccer stars from America get every day, and it just shows how big a deal he’s become, especially after proving himself in Europe. But right as people are finally giving him mainstream recognition, he’s under the microscope for not putting up his usual numbers in front of the goal.
He’s not fazed by the dip.
When Time asked about his goal drought and how he’s handling not scoring for club or country this year, Pulisic didn’t mince words; he’s not sweating it. “I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.” You can hear the confidence in his voice.
Dealing with the noise
Pulisic admits this stretch feels extra tough. Missing out on last June’s Gold Cup squad hurt him, mostly because he’s used to shutting people up with his play. “Normally, I just go out there and score, and that quiets everybody. Right now, I’m in my offseason, so everyone’s talking, and I can’t do anything about it. That’s what’s frustrating.”
For Pulisic, attacking is everything. “Going at the goal, creating attacks, that’s what I live for. Sure, you have to do all the other stuff: defend, run, whatever. That’s fine. But what really gives me joy is finding ways to score and actually scoring.”
Chasing the dream
The U.S. opens their World Cup run against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium on June 12, and Pulisic will lead the team right here at home. He doesn’t like making big public predictions, but at 27, he keeps that childhood dream alive. “That’s just not how I work. But I’ll lie in bed and imagine myself holding the World Cup trophy. I did that when I was a kid, and I haven’t stopped. You need to believe. Why not?”
WHY DID LAUTARO MARTINEZ REJECT A CAREER-DEFINING MOVE TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
"I love Milan." Read why 28-year-old Lautaro Martinez rejected Manchester United and Arsenal to stay at the San Siro in 2026.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has clearly put an end to any speculation about leaving San Siro, making it known that he has no plans to entertain offers from Europe’s top clubs. Even with regular links to teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Arsenal, the Argentine forward is fully committed to what’s happening in Milan.
Martinez has been quite vocal about his dedication to Inter amid constant rumours about his future. Despite frequent connections to some of the biggest clubs on the continent, he insists there’s no reason for him to move on from the current Serie A champions.
Media reports have often tied him to Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, and Manchester United. But through various transfer windows, Martinez has consistently pushed back on the idea of leaving Inter. At 28, he remains a key figure in the team’s current setup and has stepped up as the club’s captain and on-field leader.
In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, Martinez expressed his loyalty to Inter’s project. He made it clear that he isn’t interested in changing clubs despite the speculation.
He said, “No, because I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home here. My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city, and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible. I achieved so many personal and team goals here.”
Success on the pitch seems to deepen his connection to the club. Inter recently secured another league title and continues to chase trophies, including the Coppa Italia. On an individual level, Martinez is eyeing the Capocannoniere prize as Serie A’s top scorer. His steady performances underline why he’s considered one of the most reliable forwards in European football.
Since his move from Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has become the defining presence in Inter’s modern lineup. With 173 goals over 372 competitive games, it’s clear how vital he is to the team.
Looking ahead, the club sees Martinez as a central piece in their long-term plans. His leadership and scoring ability make him hard to replace. Settled both on and off the field in Milan, he seems set on continuing his story at the Giuseppe Meazza, despite ongoing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
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