GdS: ‘Milanissimo’ – how Amorim outfoxed Chivu in resounding derby win

In last night’s Derby della Madonnina, AC Milan proved that Ruben Amorim has laid the foundations for a long-term project.

Considering how October had been for Milan, most arrived at the game torn about how it would go. If you offered most a draw, they’d take it on the spot. However, the squad didn’t enter the game without belief.

Opening the scoring within five minutes, it was clear they’d come to take the game to the title leaders, and the 3-1 scoreline proved it. A dominant performance, with Amorim once again starring.

Star performers

Before the game, as this morning’s Gazzetta dello Sport recalled, the Portuguese stated that he was aiming to win the Scudetto, so winning last night’s game would be pivotal. So, that’s why this result feels like more than ‘just’ three points.

They’ve now not lost in eight derbies and won their last four – a first since 1972-73 – so that confidence is backed by historical statistics. A performance like that cannot be limited to numbers, though.

Diego Moreira, Adrien Rabiot, Mike Maignan and Strahinja Pavlovic were all excellent, proving why they are pillars of the team consistently.

Amorim’s outclasses Chivu

The best performance, though, was from Amorim. As Gazzetta states, he was perfect in ‘tactics and psychology’, winning the game with his mind in both ways. He lifted the squad after their midweek defeat and innovated the tools at his disposal again.

Whilst Cristian Chivu considered numerous tactical approaches, the Portuguese was set in his 4-2-3-1. Fluid again, with different movements to counter Inter’s side – such as Sankhoun Diawara pressing to stop Djed Spence.

Chivu had to deal with issues, but he was not alone with that. In other words, a lack of options in his squad cannot be a reason for a performance like that. After all, they had one shot on target in 90 minutes and looked almost resigned despite being on top in moments.

A night of celebrations for the Rossoneri, whilst Inter saw witches, thanks to Amorim and a bit of ‘Milanissimo’.