Cristian Chivu conceded that his Inter team delivered a below-par display during their 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in Sunday's Derby della Madonnina at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Pervis Estupinan's well-taken finish 10 minutes before half-time proved to be the difference, as Milan closed the gap to the league leaders to just seven points.
Inter had their chances in the match, though, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan denied by Mike Maignan before Federico Dimarco somehow fired over early on in the second half.
They also had the ball in the back of the net during second-half stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Carlos Augusto before the corner was taken.
Chivu's side finished the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.24 from their 11 attempts to Milan's 0.77 from their nine shots, and the Inter boss lamented his team's inability to find a way past their opponents stern defensive rearguard.
"Our first half was below par with a slow tempo, we then conceded their goal and that was a blow too," Chivu told DAZN Italia, as quoted by Football Italia.
"We tried to step up a gear after the break and did better in fits and starts, creating a good chance with Dimarco.
"We tried everything to swarm around their low defensive block, but were unable to break them down."
Fischio finale pic.twitter.com/b6bBXaxBXC
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The result saw Inter lose a league match for the first time since last November – also against Milan – and away from home for the first time since 25 October 2025 (3-1 vs Napoli).
Chivu had defended his team and said they were often not given credit for their successes during their unbeaten stretch.
However, after a disappointing 0-0 Coppa Italia semi-final draw with Como in midweek and this defeat, as well as a surprise Champions League exit in the play-offs to Bodo/Glimt, they seem to be losing steam.
"We could and should have done better. The strikers are young, they didn't do what we usually require, but that is not an excuse," Chivu added.
"I am pleased with what they tried to do, considering they were the only two at our disposal. For two such young players, this is valuable experience.
"We all should've had greater intensity and moved with more determination all over the pitch."
Chivu was also pressed on the late incident where Denzel Dumfries headed the ball onto Samuele Ricci's arm, but it was considered to be in a natural position.
"I was told the VAR checked it, so I have nothing to add. I am focused on the performance, on my decisions, my mistakes," Chivu said.
"There are 10 games to go, 30 points up for grabs, so we've got to build on what we've done so far.
"We still have a seven-point advantage, there are 30 still to be earned, nothing would've changed even if we had won tonight."