Inter Focus on Development in Pre-Season Derby

Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has made it clear that pre-season results take a backseat to player fitness and tactical development, following his side's 1-1 draw with rivals AC Milan at Optus Stadium in Perth on Wednesday.

Derby della Madonnina Ends All Square

The highly anticipated pre-season clash saw plenty of first-team players from both sides get meaningful minutes. Inter took the lead seven minutes after half-time when Federico Dimarco converted Nicolo Barella's centre, but a soft penalty concession in the 84th minute cost them the bragging rights.

Carlos Augusto was judged to have brought down Christopher Nkunku in the box, and the French striker stepped up to dispatch the resulting spot-kick, leveling the score at 1-1.

Chivu Sees Progress Despite Draw

Speaking to Inter TV after the match, Chivu emphasized the positive signs from his squad despite the draw, which followed a previous 1-1 result against Manchester City on Saturday.

"I saw improvement, the lads are working hard, and at this moment the results are not as important as the work we're doing," Chivu said. "I would say some players got good minutes, and we are happy with the quality they expressed, despite not being in the best condition and not yet being fit."

The Romanian coach acknowledged some early struggles but noted improvement as the match progressed: "At the beginning of the game, we struggled a bit to occupy the spaces; we made a few mistakes in dribbling and bringing the ball out. We were in a bit of a hurry to do things. But there was also the skill of the opponents, who caused us trouble with their press. As the minutes went by, we grew, we found more ways out, and I would say that we played quite well."

Building Towards Back-to-Back Titles

Inter are aiming to win the Scudetto in consecutive campaigns for the first time since their five-title run between 2005-06 and 2009-10. The club opens their Serie A title defence against Monza on August 22.

Chivu still has key players to welcome back, with striker Lautaro Martinez chief among them after his involvement with Argentina at the World Cup final.

"At the moment our main concern remains the integrity of the players, their health and their physical condition," Chivu added. "We have to respect the principles of what we are trying to convey and try to add something to what the team has shown it can do in recent years."