Ruben Amorim Reflects on First Derby della Madonnina Victory
Ruben Amorim revealed that his first Derby della Madonnina exceeded his expectations, while cautioning Milan supporters that celebrating a win against Inter comes with the reality of facing challenges ahead. The coach, who faced scrutiny following a 4-2 loss to Bologna, emerged rejuvenated after the intense encounter.
Diego Moreira played a pivotal role by scoring a free kick and providing two assists, helping the team to a quick 2-0 lead with goals from Christian Pulisic and Adrien Rabiot within the first ten minutes. Alessandro Bastoni managed to score for Inter with a header from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner, but the team struggled to pose a serious threat to Milan’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan during the remaining half-hour.
Amorim Hopes for Increased Confidence Among Milan Fans
ITALY – OCTOBER 31: Head coach of AC Milan Ruben Amorim gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 31, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Antonino Lagana/Getty Images)
Expressing satisfaction with the team’s performance, Amorim stated, “We started really well, they are very strong in the air, but we changed the way we approached the game, and I think compared to other matches we are improving,” he shared with DAZN Italia.
“In the second half, we controlled the ball effectively, aided significantly by Luka Modric. While it wasn’t a flawless game, it was an important win for our fans following Wednesday’s match to help us progress.” Cristian Chivu, coach of Inter, surprised many by adopting a 3-4-2-1 formation that included Petar Sucic and Andy Diouf supporting Marcus Thuram as the main striker.
ITALY – OCTOBER 31: Diego Moreira of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Adrien Rabiot during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 31, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Amorim acknowledged the impact of returning players, saying, “Gila, Moreira, and Rabiot made a significant difference, not only with their skill but also in how they fit into our training approach.” He reflected on the previous defeat, noting the need for honesty about their journey ahead. “It was a different game and approach; the players felt angry about the last loss, and we need to be pragmatic. Tonight was fantastic for the fans, but we must keep our focus on what comes next.”
As this marked Amorim’s first Derby della Madonnina, he shared his impressions of the iconic atmosphere at San Siro. “The environment is incredible; the passion is unlike any derby I’ve experienced. I’m thrilled for the players, and I hope this victory boosts the fans’ confidence in our project,” he commented.
Looking forward, he stated, “We will have spectacular nights and face challenging moments, like we did against Bologna. Winning games like this is crucial in illustrating to our supporters that this process requires time.” Amorim expressed his pride in the team’s effort but remained focused on future challenges.
Highlighting the ambitions of the club, owner Gerry Cardinale attended the match, expressing his aspiration for Milan to capture the Scudetto. Amorim responded, “We aim to be a strong team, but we must be realistic; winning the Scudetto in our first year will be tough. Nonetheless, we will compete fiercely in every match, with the ultimate goal of returning to the top.” He added a light-hearted reference to Cardinale’s favorite movie, Top Gun, making a nod to the challenges ahead. “It’s important to remember that achieving success doesn’t happen overnight.”
