21 stages for Scudetto number 21

PIO'S DAY

In Cagliari, Esposito netted his first Serie A goal

It was a warm September night at the Unipol Domus in Sardinia, a night on which the Nerazzurri's forwards shone brightest. Two of them scored: one who has always featured and one whose story had only just begun. Lautaro Martinez, our captain, netted the Nerazzurri's first and Pio Esposito the second. Our number 10 opened the scoring, and the 94 finished it off with his first Serie A goal. As has often been the case, it was Federico Dimarco who set up our 2005-born youngster to score with a low driven cross, which Esposito then tucked away to make it 2-0. His first league goal came against Cagliari, just as it was for El Toro back in 2018: the first strike for a boyhood Inter fan.

KNOWING HOW TO SUFFER

Bonny and the big game at the Olimpico

Following the international break, Inter travelled to Rome to take on the Giallorossi, who were joint top of the league on 15 points, alongside Napoli. The Nerazzurri were on 12, so the big game at the Olimpico was of the utmost importance. The hero was another new face. In the sixth minute, Ange-Yoan Bonny beat the offside trap, made his way into the box, and beat Svilar to make it 1-0. Before then, Inter had won their games convincingly, creating plenty of chances, often spurning them. Against Roma, all they needed was one chance. The Nerazzurri suffered, dug deep, and shut down Gasperini's men. The big match belonged to Inter, who were one point behind new leaders AC Milan.

PICKING THEMSELVES UP

Hakan and Petar's wonderful strikes against Fiorentina

Midweek football at San Siro in Serie A, as Inter welcomed Fiorentina, who were surprisingly second-bottom in the league with just four points. Inter had lost away at Napoli despite an impressive first-half performance. The Nerazzurri needed to get back to winning ways to not lose ground on the leaders. It was a prickly, tough, and complex game. It needed a piece of magic to win it, and Hakan Calhanoglu stepped up in the 66th minute. It was a brilliant shot from outside the box, in what has come to be known as the "Calha zone". 1-0, but it was still all to play for. 25/26 Inter are the perfect blend of experience and youth. As such, in the 71st minute, Petar Sucic sent San Siro into raptures. The Croatian held off the challenge, escaped Comuzzo with a sublime touch, and beat De Gea at his near post. A late penalty, converted by Calhanoglu, made it 3-0. However, the main takeaway from the game was Sucic's stunner, which is now suspended in time and space, like all great masterpieces.

AT THE LAST GASP

Lautaro's scream sends shockwaves through the league

Napoli and Roma top, Inter three points behind. It was a fiery midday kick-off at the Bentegodi in Verona. The rain was beating down on the November day, which began with a beautifully worked set-piece routine from Calhanoglu and Piotr Zielinski. Hellas, however, are tough opposition, despite their standings, and Giovane equalised before the break. The second half was a battle in the mud. The game looked destined to end level, but then, in the 93rd minute, Barella's deflected cross caused chaos for the defence, and Frese diverted it into his own goal. Lautaro's scream said it all: hunger to win, a refusal to accept anything less. Inter with the perfect response, and now just one point behind...

LIKE A CAPTAIN FROM YEARS GONE BY

Lautaro level with Mazzola, Inter beat Lazio to go top

It took less than three minutes to make history, once again. Who knows what was going through Lautaro Martinez's mind when he wheeled away, arms open wide. His outstanding goal gave Inter the lead against Lazio, sending San Siro into ecstasy. It was El Toro's 161st goal for Inter, bringing him level with Sandro Mazzola. Sandro, the captain of a thousand battles, Inter icon; when Lautaro had met him at Appiano Gentile in 2024, he had understood immediately that this was not just anybody. Matching up with history is never easy, and yet, Lautaro drew level with Sandro, though his story remains one of the most incredible in Inter's mythos. There was all that and more in that run, because Inter had made the overtake, with Bonny's goal having wrapped it up. For the first time, Chivu's men were top, level with Roma on 24 points. Inter in first over the international break...

TEST OF STRENGTH

The first act of Inter vs Como

Questa stagione è stata segnata da una costante: le sfide spettacolari tra Inter e Como, ripetute in quattro repliche tra campionato e Coppa Italia. Nerazzurri e lariani, due modi differenti di interpretare il calcio ma lo stesso obiettivo: dominare il gioco e creare tanto, senza però rinunciare alla solidità difensiva. La partita di inizio dicembre a San Siro ne è la prova: l’Inter però è inarrestabile per questa prima versione del Como di Fabregas, che comunque arriva trovandosi a -3 dai nerazzurri in classifica. Quella della squadra di Chivu non è una partita, ma un vero e proprio statement: dopo 11’ Lautaro taglia sul primo palo e sblocca la gara con il suo marchio di fabbrica, poi l’Inter dilaga nella ripresa. Segnano Thuram, Calhanoglu, Carlos Augusto: il Como è respinto, l’Inter rimane a -1 da Napoli e Milan… ma la serie contro i lariani è tutt’altro che conclusa.

This season has been marked by one constant occurrence: spectacular games between Inter and Como, who have faced off four times, in the league and cup. The Nerazzurri and Lariani have two vastly different styles of football, but both with the same aim: to dominate possession and create chances, though without ever losing their defensive solidity. The game at San Siro at the start of December was proof of that, but Inter were unstoppable in their first meeting of the season with Fabregas' Como, who were three points behind the Nerazzurri. Chivu's men didn't just put in a good performance; they made a proper statement. After 11 minutes, Lauturo nipped in at the near post to open the scoring, before Inter ran away with it after the break. On the scoresheet were Thuram, Calhanoglu, and Carlos Augusto. Como seen off, Inter still a point behind Napoli and AC Milan. Though their dalliance with the Lariani was anything but over.

THE VIEW FROM THE TOP

In Genoa, Bisseck and Lautaro take Inter top

Genoa is home to great artists and great intellect, which has shaped the culture in our country. The sea and the salty air have forever inspired men to undertake great feats of exploration. This was no less the case for Inter, who came to Genoa just before the Supercoppa in Riyadh. The Nerazzurri hammered the Rossoblù, coached by Daniele De Rossi, a teammate of Chivu's at Roma. Bisseck opened the scoring after his troubled time at Marassi the season before. Then, it was another Lautaro goal to finish things off; El Toro was looking unstoppable. It ended 2-1, but the three points were worth so much more, as Inter claimed sole custody of top spot and would not relinquish it from there on in.

BERGAMO AND THE AUSPICES OF A HAPPY NEW YEAR

A win away at Atalanta to conclude 2025

The end of the year is always a time to take stock. How can we define Inter's 2025? Exciting, emotional, but also painful. It was an intense year, which reached unequalled peaks in all senses. It was a year that gave us lots, but we needed to leave behind us in order to focus on moving forward. Onwards, together, much like Pio Esposito and Lautaro Martinez, two faces of the same Inter side, who were looking towards 2026 with hope and ambition. Pio's assist for Lautaro's winner, as had been the case against Pisa. Now, finally, one could only think about the future.

GHOSTBUSTERS

T**he first of the season, revenge against Bologna

In recent seasons, Inter's destiny has often been decided against Bologna. The results haven't always been the way we wanted, and, at the end of 2025, it was the Rossoblù who knocked Chivu's men out of the Supercoppa. In 2026, however, it was time for a new story to take shape. In order to get off to a good start, we needed to banish some ghosts. Piotr Zielinski did that to perfection, as he changed the game with a stunning strike from outside the box, accompanied by Lautaro (obviously) and Thuram. No more room for ghosts: Inter delighted San Siro with a sound 3-1 win, which could have been by a bigger margin.

A CLASH OF TITANS

Most intense game of the season: a 2-2 draw to keep Napoli at bay

Our first game of the girone di ritorno was like no other. Antonio Conte's Napoli, reigning champions of Italy and often part of exciting duels with the Nerazzurri in recent years, came to San Siro. The saga repeated itself for 2025/26 too: Inter top on 42 points, Napoli second on 38. It was an electric affair, intense, played at an incredible tempo. Dimarco opened the scoring, then McTominay equalised. Minute 73: Calhanoglu restored Inter's lead from the spot. Same goal, same corner, almost the same minute as last season (74'). This time, however, he was not denied by the post, but it went in, nestling in the back of the net. But this has been a year for revenge in all ways. Late on, McTominay's second goal of the game made it 2-2, a result which was slightly tough to take but which also gave us bags of confidence. Inter were on the right track, and Napoli were still three points behind. There was applause for one of the toughest performances of the year.

THE KID, THE MAESTRO, AND THE ASTERISK

The rearranged matchday 16 fixture against Lecce was won by Esposito

An asterisk left things up in the air. It was an error to be correct, an idea to be revisited, but above all, a game to be rearranged. It was another midweek matchday, shared with Napoli and AC Milan. The game held certain difficulties which had to be taken into account. Sommer knew that full well, as he was forced into a great save to deny Siebert. Pio Esposito knew it too, as he held up the ball like a veteran at just 20 years of age. Lecce proved to be obdurate opposition. It took us 78 minutes to break them down. Lautaro had a go, but it was Pio who knocked down the Salentini's wall with his first league goal at San Siro, in front of the Inter supporters. That goal was a liberation. Pio showed off his muscles and roared. The kid has grown up, but in that hug with Chivu, he reflected the child who met his coach at just 7 years old. There was no more asterisk; Inter were top at the (postponed) halfway mark.

AN OLYMPIC COMEBACK

A new shirt and a spectacular comeback

It was the first time in 35 years that Inter hosted Pisa at San Siro. In 1990, it ended 6-3; time goes by, but the result changes very little. It was a special game, the final one before leaving the Meazza due to the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Inter were in their brand new fourth kit. Pisa were rock bottom, but playing at San Siro isn't something that happens every day. The Tuscan side played with courage and got out to a 2-0 lead thanks to a Moreo brace. Chivu shuffled the pack and sent on Dimarco in the 34th minute. Federico was on fire, and his fury changed the game completely. Inter took the lead before the break: Zielinski's penalty, Lautaro's rage-filled goal, and Pio's winning header. It all came, however, from Dimarco's left boot; he also had a hand in Bonny's great goal and Mkhitaryan's finish. Inter from behind, Inter thrashed Pisa 6-2, Inter five points clear at the top. Time to say "see you soon" to San Siro.

SONNET NUMBER 171

Nerazzurri Symphony, directed by the maestro Dimarco; away at Sassuolo, Lautaro was the first violinist

On a Sunday in Reggio Emilia, we took on an often insidious adversary. However, the orchestra was ready and couldn't wait to play. They just needed the signal from the conductor, who, on that day, was Federico Dimarco. It took just 11 minutes for the full-back to swing in the perfect header for Bisseck to head home. The game was done in a flash, as Dimash also set up Thuram to score. However, the unforgettable moment came in the 50th minute, as Lautaro battled for the ball in the box and fired past Muric. Just as the ball hit the net, El Toro was already standing on the advertising boards, a scene we've seen before. The captain has always had a way of spurring on the supporters, because when Lautaro scores, the feeling is different. That took him to 171 goals for Inter, level with Roberto Boninsegna on the lowest rung of the podium in Club history. A new page in our history which was followed by two firsts, as Akanju and Luis Henrique hit the net to make it 5-0. The spectacle was over, and Inter were out to an eight-point lead.

A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE

Another stunning Derby d'Italia, though with a different outcome

In Inter's winning campaigns, their destiny has often depended on Juventus in some way. The Derby d'Italia remains an important stage in any season, even when the Bianconeri are not direct title rivals for the Nerazzurri. It's a trial by fire, a test of courage. In recent years, a new variable has joined the emotion and tension: goals, lots of them, decisive and beautiful. So, Inter hopped into the front row of the rollercoaster and took the game in their stride. The Nerazzurri took the lead through a Cambiaso goal, before the full-back rectified his own mistake and made it 1-1. But Juventus were down to ten men. Late on, it seemed like the man of the moment would be the young Pio, who rose high to head home and make it 2-1. But Juventus never die, and Locatelli's goal made it seem to be destined to end in a draw. But no. Just as the whistle was about to play, Zienliski got free at the edge of the box, and there was just enough time to let fly and wheel away, hoisting the Nerazzurri's shirt high into the sky. The rollercoaster had come to a stop, and Inter had won.

REGAINING THEIR BREATH

Two points in March, as we slowed down before the final charge

It was a strange month of March. The flowers were in bloom, nature reappearing, but you cannot beat time. You need patience, and it all has to fall into place at the right time. Accelerating at the wrong moment could be fatal. Inter's March was thus: a team that had come through a harsh winter and were ready to show their splendor, but they were not yet used to the spring. From their games against AC Milan, Atalanta and Fiorentina, the Nerazzurri took just two points, as the lead fell from ten points to six. But Inter were ready, as was Pio Esposito, who led the line in the absence of captain Lautaro. Inter were down, but not out, and as you already know, this is a season of renewal and revival.

THE CAPTAIN AT EASTER

How 60 seconds can cancel out 46 days: a lesson by Lautaro

The last time we'd seen him was on a painful night in Norway. We waited 46 days to have him back, and it took him just 60 seconds to show just how much we'd missed him. Lautaro couldn't have chosen a better day to consecrate his rebirth than Easter against Roma. It was a tricky setting, with Napoli to host AC Milan the day after. We needed to spur our league campaign back into life. Nobody else could have been more apt for the job than El Toro, who opened the scoring against the Giallorossi after just a minute. He then took to the skies in a release of his pent-up rage, celebrating with his teammates and fans. His people, who waited for him with bated breath. Inter, however, needed more time. Mancini's goal risked discouraging the Nerazzurri. Yet this season, there has been a player who has often made the difference. His name: Hakan Calhanoglu, who defied the laws of physics with a stunner from over 30 metres out, sending San Siro ballistic just before the break. After half-time, it was no longer a game of football, but a demonstration of love. Love for Bastoni, for Thuram, who was back on the scoresheet, for Lautaro's second goal, which was reminiscent of his strike against Barcelona, for Barella, who was smothered in the affect of San Siro. It ended 5-2, and we were seven points clear. Something had changed, and the fans at the Meazza had shown as much.

A NIGHT ON THE LAKE

Marcus, Denzel, and a comeback we'd see again

The third meeting between Como and Inter this season, the third instalment of the fixture between Italy's two most exciting teams. Fabregas' men know how to adapt - they learn quickly. After the 4-0 win at San Siro and the Coppa Italia, the Lariani now understood how to take on Chivu's Inter. Como pressed hard, played well, and didn't let the Nerazzurri breathe, as they got out to a two-goal lead thanks to Valle and Paz. However, Inter and Marcus Thuram needed just the slightest moment of uncertainty, with which to strike. Tikus' finish in the stoppage time of the first half was as valuable as Calhanoglu's goal seven days prior. At the start of the second half, the Frenchman doubled up and paid homage to "uncle" Titi Henry in the stands. Then, it was the turn of Dumfries, who scored in the 58th minute and then also doubled up. 4-2, two braces, a comeback against Como (not for the last time this season). Da Cunha's perfect penalty late in the day wasn't enough. It ended 4-3 to the guests, who came back to Milano with a nine-point advantage in the table.

THE GIANT'S ROAR

Inter vs Cagliari: how a fanbase can win a game

We've heard it from many players in the past. Douglas Maicon once said that "when the giant roars, it's not easy for our opponents". Dimarco said it after Inter vs Barcelona: "I often hear it described as a 'cauldron' when we play at other grounds... but guys, there's nothing like San Siro." Those who have experienced it know full well: when the Meazza lights up, it can win games on its own. Inter vs Cagliari is proof of that. It was a more complex game than the 3-0 final score would have you believe. Thuram opened the scoring, and Barella's goal and Zielinski's masterpiece wrapped it up. Three goals and three points, but the lasting image was of a stadium brimming with joy, which, after full-time, 'called upon' the team, insisting that they celebrate. In the eyes of players and fans alike, the finish line was in sight. The chants were loud. One thing was clear: it was now no longer a question of "if", but "when".

UNA FESTA TANTO ATTESA

Erano 37 anni che l'Inter non vinceva lo Scudetto a San Siro davanti al suo pubblico: dal 28 maggio 1989, giorno in cui Matthaus schiantò il Napoli di Maradona con una punizione perfetta. Da quel momento solo nel 2024 i nerazzurri avevano festeggiato al Meazza, ma dopo il derby in casa del Milan: stavolta è tutto diverso, perché il 3 maggio 2026 l'Inter di Chivu ha vinto il suo 21° Scudetto davanti ai tifosi nerazzurri. Una marea incredibile, che riempito l'impianto fin dal primo pomeriggio, ha accolto la squadra con uno spettacolo straordinario e ha spinto i ragazzi alla vittoria contro il Parma. Tutto diverso, tutto è ancora nerazzurro: San Siro, Milano, l'Italia intera. L'Inter ha vinto lo Scudetto, l'Inter è Campione d'Italia per la ventunesima volta nella sua storia.