13 Goals Conceded in 10 Matches: Inter Milan defensive slump detailed
Inter Milan surrendered the opening goal for the eighth time across 13 matches in all competitions on October 31, 2026, dropping a 3-1 result to AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina. The performance underscored a growing trend of early-game vulnerability and defensive lapses that have disrupted the team’s balance throughout the campaign.
Inter Milan’s Pressing Traps and Sloppy Starts Under Cristian Chivu
The defensive shape and tracking out of possession failed to sustain pressure against AC Milan, allowing their city rivals space to attack in transition. Inter fell behind early, briefly answered when Alessandro Bastoni scored to make it 2-1, but conceded a costly goal right before half-time after a breakdown in focus inside their own penalty area.
AC Milan
clubThe team’s defensive record highlights systemic instability when protecting the penalty box. Inter have let in 13 goals across their first ten Serie A matches this season, giving them the second-worst defensive total in the top half of the league table behind Frosinone.
| Metric | Serie A Total |
|---|---|
| Serie A Matches Played | 10 |
| Goals Conceded | 13 |
| Matches Conceding Opening Goal (All Comps) | 8 of 13 |
Inter struggled to maintain spatial discipline when pushing players forward to recover from behind. Rather than controlling tempo through patient ball progression, early deficits forced the team into open, high-risk running that left the back line isolated during opponent counter-attacks.
Alessandro Bastoni
playerThe failure to turn early possession into solid chances also limited their ability to regain control. After Bastoni pulled a goal back, a key save from AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan denied Inter an equalizer at 2-2, leaving the squad unable to salvage a point despite long periods with the ball.
“We had the wrong approach, then it wasn’t all a waste, because we scored for 2-1 and had the opportunity to draw level at 2-2 if not for that Maignan save. Then we gifted another goal just before half-time. It’s disappointing; we expected to do more than we did. We need to improve our approach and determination, which at times is lacking.”
“Inter looks like a team that is too caught up in its own reflection, holding on to a belief in its own abilities that is necessary but perhaps excessive, convinced that it can come back from behind every time.”
Data supporting this match coverage comes from official Serie A stats and post-match reports provided by Gazzetta dello Sport.