Inter boss says stop 'throwing stones' at Yann Sommer and vows to stand by goalkeeper after disastrous derby display against Juventus

Inter's below-par start to life under new head coach Chivu continued over the weekend, as last season's Serie A runners-up succumbed to a 4-3 defeat at the Allianz Stadium against Juventus. Igor Tudor's men were trailing 3-2 as the clock went past the 80th-minute mark. However, a Khephren Thuram strike in the 82nd minute and a stoppage time winner from youngster Vasilije Adzic helped Juve stage a sensational come-from-behind victory in the Derby d'Italia.

The loss against Juventus further compounded Inter's misery. The Nerazzurri are currently languishing in 11th position on the Serie A table, despite scoring nine goals in their opening three league games. After beginning the season with an emphatic 5-0 win over Torino, they slumped to a shock 2-1 loss to Udinese at the San Siro. The defence has been far too penetrative as they have shipped six goals, with Sommer especially becoming the target of the fans' fury following his disastrous display in the defeat to Juve. 

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Ajax clash in the Champions League, Chivu said: "It’s not fair to put him out in the open and throw stones at him from all sides. He’s important to us, he showed that last year, and from a human perspective, I don’t feel comfortable doing something like that. I respect [Josep] Martinez, and sooner or later he will get his chance, but I won’t change Sommer just because the fans ask for it. I don’t want to go against the grain. A player with his experience needs support. It’s only right that he stays in goal."

Inter commence their Champions League campaign against Ajax on Wednesday. A win could go a long way in lifting the spirits of an Inter side seemingly struggling to avoid defeats. However, defender Denzel Dumfries remains confident of his team's chances. "We've often talked about it among ourselves," the Dutchman said. "We played a good game against Juve, but then things went the way they did. It's true, we've recognized this moment and we have a lot to learn. When you play in the Champions League, you play to win. We have a strong team."