Liverpool Stumbles, Inter Milan Has No Excuses for Winning

MILAN, MONDAY – As the 2025-2026 season approaches its midpoint, Inter Milan has found its best form under coach Cristian Chivu. With a positive trend and morale, "I Nerazzurri" should have no difficulty overcoming Liverpool, who will visit the San Siro Stadium on Wednesday (10/12/2025) at 03:00 WIB, in a chaotic condition.

Anyone who comes to Inter's headquarters this December will think twice about pursuing three points. Inter has inflicted suffering on two of their guests in the past week.

Venezia and Como suffered dismal results due to defeats by a margin of four goals. Inter triumphed over Venezia with a score of 5-1 in the round of 16 of the Coppa Italia, and then continued to overwhelm Como with a final result of 4-0.

A significant victory over Como, a rising team, serves as a confirmation of the elevated level of Inter under Chivu. Specifically against Como, Inter has demonstrated its ability to find a formula to neutralize the attacking style of the team.

Liverpool will come with an emphasis on game control. This could be a distinct advantage for I Nerazzurri, who are already familiar with the tactics that need to be applied when forced to run more without the ball.

Similarly, when facing Como, Chivu stated that his team has prepared a playing strategy to send Liverpool home empty-handed from San Siro. Most importantly, Chivu emphasized that his players must play patiently and effectively.

"We have to be calm to close down their spaces and passing lanes by playing deeper, then move as quickly and effectively as possible to launch counterattacks. Calmness is essential for a high-intensity 90-minute match," Chivu said, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Inter's counterattack will be presented from both flanks. Federico Dimarco remains a mainstay for Chivu to exploit the right side of the opponent's defense, while on the left flank, Inter has a new asset in Luis Enrique.

The player recruited from Olympique Marseille last summer has already gained the trust of Chivu. Enrique has appeared in three consecutive matches for Inter as a starting player. Notably, he provided an assist in the game against Como.

"Enrique needs time to adapt to us. However, he already understands what it means to play for Inter," said Chivu.

The services of Dimarco and Enrique will be crucial for Inter's star forward duo, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. In addition, Inter also requires the resilience of a trio of midfielders that could potentially include Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Piotr Zielinski. Chivu also has the opportunity to field Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has recovered from injury.

"I enjoy this team and being at this club, which I once represented for several years as a player. I strive to give my best through the passion and enthusiasm that I instill in the players," said Chivu, who hails from Romania.

Not just three points are at stake for Inter when hosting the English visitors, Liverpool. A victory would certainly keep Inter in the top eight of the Champions League group stage, but I Nerazzurri also aim to maintain their positive record at San Siro.

Inter has played 18 matches at San Siro without suffering a defeat. In addition, they have also won both games in European club competitions at San Siro this season.

With this situation, Inter has the best opportunity to end two consecutive defeats to Liverpool at San Siro. They lost 0-2 to Liverpool in the round of 16 of the 2021-2022 edition. A negative result also occurred with a score of 0-1 in the round of 16 of the 2007-2008 season.

"We've proven this season that we're going to give everything we can to get a positive result. That's what we have to do against strong teams," Martinez said, as reported by Corriere dello Sport.

Inter's superior potential is largely due to the internal crisis currently overshadowing "The Reds," a nickname for Liverpool. In their last six matches, Liverpool has suffered three defeats, two draws, and only one victory.

After being defeated by PSV Eindhoven, the top team in the Dutch League, 1-4 at Anfield in the last Champions League match, Liverpool was able to show signs of recovery by defeating West Ham 2-0.

However, Liverpool's defensive issues have worsened. They have only earned two points from their last two matches due to draws against Sunderland and Leeds United. Both teams caused Liverpool to concede four goals.

This situation is certainly an alarm for Liverpool ahead of their appearance at San Siro. Inter, the Champions League finalists from last season, have a squad composition that is significantly more quality compared to those two domestic rivals.

"Regardless of the final result, there are many positive aspects that we have demonstrated. The collective play and individual abilities. There should be no flaws in our actions, and everything must be executed well, especially in anticipating the opponent's game," said Slot regarding the steps taken to improve his team's performance ahead of the visit to Milan.

On the other hand, Slot is also facing internal turmoil caused by the public statement of winger Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian player is unhappy with Slot's decision to place him on the bench. In fact, Salah was not played at all when the Reds were held to a draw by Leeds.

The impact of that statement is that Slot is reported to be leaving Salah and not bringing the player to San Siro. Salah is the last Liverpool player to score a goal against Inter in February 2022. (AFP)