How Inter won the Serie A title, transforming treble disappointment into domestic domination

TL;DR

Inter Milan won the Serie A title by defeating Parma 2-0, finishing 12 points ahead of Napoli. The team transformed their previous season's disappointment into success under new coach Cristian Chivu.

Key points

Inter Milan won the Serie A title by defeating Parma 2-0
The team finished 12 points ahead of Napoli
Cristian Chivu was appointed as head coach
Napoli suffered from key player injuries
Inter's previous season ended in disappointment

Mentioned in this story

Cristian ChivuSimone InzaghiLautaro MartínezRomelu LukakuKevin De Bruyne

Inter MilanNapoliLazio

MILAN (AP) — Inter Milan transformed its treble disappointment from last season into domination in Italy this year. Inter beat Parma 2-0 on Sunday to see the Serie A title return to Milan. It is 12 points ahead of second-placed Napoli with three rounds remaining. Inter can complete a league and cup double if it beats Lazio in the Italian Cup final on May 13. The last time it won both was when José Mourinho led Inter to the treble in 2010. It's a far cry from the bitter disappointment of last year when a season that promised so much ultimately left Inter empty-handed. With just over a month to go to the end of last season, Inter was on course for a treble of trophies but finished one point below Serie A champion Napoli, lost in the Italian Cup semifinals and was routed 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the most lopsided Champions League final in history. Here are the key factors in how Inter turned things around on the domestic front to win the 2025-26 Italian league:

Change of coach

While there was little surprise when coach Simone Inzaghi left Inter at the end of last season, the appointment of the relatively inexperienced Cristian Chivu raised a few eyebrows. There had been rumors about Inzaghi’s departure for several weeks, with the coach going on with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Inzaghi had been in charge for four years, during which he steered Inter to the Italian league title in 2024 and two Champions League finals. He also won two Italian Cups with Inter. Chivu had only ever overseen 13 matches in Serie A, securing safety with Parma after being given that February. But he knew Inter well, having spent the previous seven years in charge of various youth teams at the club, where he ended his playing career in 2014. The former Romania defender was part of Inter’s famous treble-winning team in 2010, lifting the Champions League, Serie A and Italian Cup trophies. He also helped the Nerazzurri to another two Serie A titles among the nine trophies amassed during his seven years at the club. Chivu’s fresh approach as a coach and new ideas reinvigorated Inter. He transformed the team into a more aggressive, high-pressing outfit and restored locker room harmony, while integrating young academy talents such as .

Q&A

How did Inter Milan win the Serie A title in 2026?

Inter Milan secured the Serie A title by defeating Parma 2-0, finishing 12 points clear of Napoli with three matches remaining.

Who is Cristian Chivu and how did he impact Inter Milan's performance?

Cristian Chivu, appointed as head coach, revitalized Inter Milan with a high-pressing style and integrated young talents, leading to their Serie A success.

What injuries affected Napoli's chances in the Serie A title race?

Napoli faced significant injuries to key players like Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, which hindered their ability to compete effectively against Inter Milan.

What was Inter Milan's previous season like before winning the Serie A title?

Last season, Inter Milan was on track for a treble but finished empty-handed, missing out on the Serie A title by one point and losing in the Champions League final.