Inter’s defeat to Club Brugge left Cristian Chivu with more than one concern to address, but it also offered Djed Spence an early lesson in the demands of his new club. The Englishman’s loose pass contributed to the final blow of a painful Champions League night, yet the coaching staff remain convinced that his gradual introduction can still become an important part of Inter’s season.
Key takeaways
- Chivu said Inter’s resistance effectively collapsed once they conceded their second goal against Club Brugge.
- Spence came on with Inter already 3-1 down and saw Lautaro Martinez reduce the gap to 3-2 in the 81st minute.
- A careless backwards ball from Spence started the move that ended with Romeo Vermant scoring Brugge’s fourth.
- The former Tottenham player had made an encouraging Serie A debut from the bench against Parma.
- Inter could give Spence more minutes in Saturday’s away match at Bologna, where Chivu is expected to rotate his side.
A difficult European evening, not a final verdict
Inter had fallen behind to a Tresoldi penalty, but had opportunities to turn the match before Brugge moved further clear. Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco both had chances to change the direction of the contest before the visitors’ lead became more substantial.
Chivu’s assessment was that the team’s structure gave way after the second goal conceded. That view also places the wider failure above the mistake later made by Spence, who entered when the score was 3-1 and the match had already become stretched.
There was still a brief opening for another of Inter’s familiar recoveries. Lautaro struck in the 81st minute to make it 3-2, leaving time for a late push. Instead, Spence played an underhit pass back, allowing Forbs to lead the counterattack and release Vermant through on goal against Josep Martinez. The Brugge forward finished to make it 4-2.
The error was a lapse in concentration rather than an issue that alters Inter’s judgement on the player. Chivu has insisted that there were still positive elements in the performance, and the club do not intend to allow one difficult moment in Europe to define a newcomer still building his match rhythm.
Spence’s route into Chivu’s squad
Spence had already shown more encouraging signs in his first league appearance against Parma. His introduction at San Siro brought energy, pace and a willingness to take responsibility on the flank. Inter also see a more natural defensive foundation in the Englishman than in Andy Diouf, the French player whom Chivu has successfully adapted into a wider role.
That distinction reflects Spence’s background. Across his career, he has operated both as a wing-back and as a conventional full-back, making the defensive side of the position more familiar territory. Diouf’s role on the outside has developed under Chivu rather than through years of specialist experience there.
Spence is still working towards the sharp physical level he displayed with England at the World Cup. A lack of regular match action means he cannot yet be expected to be at his peak, which is why Inter planned a measured integration rather than an immediate reliance on him.
That process began with a start in the friendly against Lumezzane during the international break, followed by appearances against Parma and Brugge in very different atmospheres at San Siro. The trip to Bologna may provide the next stage. Chivu is set to make several changes after the Champions League disappointment, and Spence could be among those handed a larger role as Inter seek to leave Brugge behind and restore momentum in Serie A.
