Cristian Chivu brushed off criticism after Inter’s 2-1 win at Genoa sent them top of Serie A, insisting results matter more than narratives. Despite four league defeats and recent Champions League setbacks, Inter lead the table for the first time this season, having won 11 matches and drawn none. “When wins are worth three points, slow and steady doesn’t work,” Chivu said, embracing Serie A’s volatility.
Goals from Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martínez handed Genoa their first league loss under Daniele De Rossi and underlined Inter’s ability to rebound quickly. Though injuries and an ageing core pose concerns, the squad remains competitive and firmly in the title race.
Elsewhere, AC Milan continue to stall against lesser sides. Unbeaten since opening day, they were held to a fifth draw by Sassuolo despite two goals from teenage full-back Davide Bartesaghi. Milan have excelled against top teams but dropped points repeatedly against lower-table opposition, wasting the advantage of having no European fixtures.
Napoli’s struggles deepened with a 1-0 defeat to Udinese, leaving Antonio Conte’s side looking exhausted amid a congested schedule. Conte’s reluctance to rotate has taken its toll, and an early European exit may even be welcomed.
At the bottom, Fiorentina sank deeper into trouble with a 2-1 home loss to Hellas Verona, sealed by Gift Orban’s late winner. Winless after 15 rounds and now adrift at the foot of the table, the Viola face a relegation battle that history suggests is almost impossible to escape.
