After their defeat in the Champions League final against Manchester City, Inter put up a strong performance but were unlucky in their attempts to breach Ederson’s goal, despite having numerous scoring opportunities. The reality is that their achievements this season exceeded expectations. Overcoming the “Group of Death” (which included Bayern Munich and Barcelona) to reach the final was considered a remarkable feat under the guidance of coach Simone Inzaghi. They were fortunate to have a relatively easier path to the final.
However, Manchester City proved to be the final hurdle that Inter couldn’t overcome, as the team built to win the championship prevented them from securing their fourth title, with their last triumph dating back to 2010. Throughout their journey, Inter encountered several strokes of luck, but in the final, fortune didn’t favor them, instead favoring Pep Guardiola’s side.
This once again proves that Inzaghi’s team reached their peak and will have to come down. Some key players are expected to depart during the summer transfer window. Defender Milan Skriniar is likely to join PSG. The contract was already signed in January 2023, and after the final, Skriniar will make his way to Parc des Princes. However, Inter fans aren’t overly concerned about his departure, as he has already lost his place in Inzaghi’s starting lineup.
Striker Lautaro Martinez has attracted interest from top clubs, but Inter supporters hope that after an ineffective performance in the Champions League final, those pursuing the Argentine player will give up their pursuit, allowing Lautaro to remain at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium. With Edin Dzeko aging (37 years old) and Romelu Lukaku set to return to Chelsea after his loan spell, Inter’s attack is in need of an Argentine striker.
There are even rumors that some Inter players are uncertain about their future. By the end of June, 11 contracts will expire, and the club’s leadership has yet to take any action regarding contract extensions.
All of these factors suggest that Inzaghi’s era may experience a downturn after this breakthrough season. However, there are also opinions emphasizing that the defeat against Manchester City won’t significantly affect Inter’s future.
Player departures at the end of each season are inevitable. Moreover, Inzaghi is not the type of coach who demands extensive activity in the transfer market. The 47-year-old coach understands the financial situation and the capabilities of the team.
Therefore, Inzaghi knows how to make the most of the existing squad and is likely to maintain a good performance next season, particularly in domestic competitions like Serie A.
Reaching the Champions League final again will be extremely challenging and dependent on various factors such as investment in transfers, luck, the quality of opponents, and the form of the players.
“Inter had a fantastic season. I know the players are sad and disappointed to lose in that manner. We didn’t deserve to lose after playing such a magnificent final. The same goes for the Inter fans. I want to thank them for being with us through the toughest moments. I want to hug each and every one of them to express my gratitude. I know this defeat will make my players grow stronger in the future. Next season, we will give our all once again. My players can be proud of themselves for what they have achieved. See you all next season, knowing that it will be tougher and more difficult,” emphasized coach Inzaghi.
Overall, as long as Inzaghi remains at the helm, the defeat in the final against Manchester City will not have a significant impact on the future of Inter, the black and blue-striped team from Milan, in the upcoming season.
