The Milan divide continues to deliver drama in Italy's top-flight between reigning champions Inter and their city rivals AC Milan.
New Rossoneri boss Ruben Amorim spoke at his press conference ahead of this weekend's Serie A meeting against Juventus.
He refused to be drawn into a war of words with Inter counterpart Christian Chivu, who had dismissively claimed earlier that neither AC Milan nor Juventus are their title rivals.
Amorim made his stance clear with his blunt response to Chivu, insisting that his side does not need any external motivation to challenge for silverware.
Amorim Provides Response to Chivu's Sly Dig
AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim addressed the media ahead of the blockbuster Serie A clash against rivals Juventus.
He was referred to Chivu's comments from earlier in the week, when he declared that Como are more of rivals to his side than both AC Milan and Juventus are.
The former Manchester United boss tried to avoid the question, stating that his focus is entirely on his side's game and on nothing else.
“Nothing. I’m just focused on our game. What I know is that if we win, we will be top of the league along with someone else. I have nothing to say about that.”
When the reporter persisted with the question, the Portuguese tactician pointed out that Chivu's words are inconsequential to him and his team's ambitions.
“Regarding Chivu, if we need words from him to win titles at Milan, then there’s something wrong with us.
I know that it’s hard for the fans to hear, but for all of us who love the club, we have to admit that we have a lot of work to do.
“The biggest concern is winning just two Scudetti in 20 years. We don’t need the words of Chivu to motivate us.
Milan is a very historic club with seven Champions League trophies, but in 20 years, they have zero Coppa Italia trophies and two Scudetti. Something’s wrong. I don’t care what Chivu says," he said.
Amorim was clear in his assessment that his club's internal standards far outweigh any external commentary, and that relying on taunts from a rival for motivation would point to a fundamental flaw inside the club.
'Two Scudetti in 20 Years': Amorim Challenges Milan's Reality
Ruben Amorim's comments about his side's reality and inability to win major silverware in recent years paints a stark picture of their recent fortunes and the turmoil that has largely surrounded the club.
They finished fifth last season and eighth in the season before, and have not won the Scudetto since the 2021-22 season. Prior to that triumph, they had not won a league title since the 2010-11 season.
Between the 2010-11 season and 2025-26 season, they only managed seven top four finishes in Serie A.
They have also failed to win the Coppa Italia since the 2002-03 season, and Amorim has emphasized the need to restore the club to elite standards.
His comments have made it clear that restoring the club to elite standards requires relentless daily work rather than reacting to media spats.
Focus on Turin: High Stakes Ahead of Juventus Showdown
Ruben Amorim spoke ahead of his side's visit to Turin in their matchday three meeting at the Allianz Stadium, a venue where Milan have struggled for victories in recent seasons.
The Rossoneri have started the season with back-to-back wins, and a win over Juventus would likely see them end the week on top of the standings.
Juventus have also won both of their games in the league this season, and are yet to concede a goal.
Both sides will be looking to keep up with champions Inter Milan and AS Roma, who have won all three games so far.