Inter Milan Clinch 21st Scudetto with 2-0 Win Over Parma

Key facts

• Inter Milan won their 21st Serie A title with a 2-0 victory over Parma at San Siro.
• Marcus Thuram opened the scoring in first-half added time with a right-footed finish past Parma keeper Zion Suzuki.
• Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the second goal in the 80th minute, set up by Lautaro Martinez.
• Inter needed only one point to clinch the Scudetto after Napoli drew 0-0 with Como and AC Milan lost 2-0 to Sassuolo.
• Cristian Chivu became the first non-Italian manager to win Serie A since José Mourinho in 2009/10.
• Inter have the most valuable squad in Italy, valued at nearly €100 million more than second-placed Juventus.
• The Nerazzurri have scored 19 goals in their past six matches and won 26 of their 35 league games this season.

Title Decided at San Siro

Inter Milan sealed their 21st Serie A title with a convincing 2-0 win over Parma at San Siro on Sunday. Needing only a point to claim the Scudetto with three games remaining, goals from Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan ensured the Nerazzurri did not have to wait. The victory moved Inter 12 points clear of defending champions Napoli, who could only manage a goalless draw against Como on Saturday. AC Milan's 2-0 defeat to Sassuolo on Sunday further cemented Inter's dominance, leaving them unassailable at the top of the table.

Thuram and Mkhitaryan Deliver the Decisive Goals

France forward Marcus Thuram broke the deadlock in first-half added time, powering a right-footed finish into the corner past Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Inter had to wait until the 80th minute for their second goal, when Lautaro Martinez sent the ball across the face of goal for fellow substitute Henrikh Mkhitaryan to slot home. The 37-year-old Mkhitaryan's strike capped a dominant performance from the hosts, who registered five of their 12 shots on target compared to Parma's none from four attempts. Inter also enjoyed 59% possession and created three big chances, underlining their control of the match.

Chivu's Journey from Player to Title-Winning Coach

Cristian Chivu celebrated his first major prize as a coach, having won Serie A three times as a player with Inter. The Romanian took over from legendary boss Simone Inzaghi in the summer, facing significant pressure early in his tenure after a 5-0 loss in the Champions League final the previous season. Chivu has silenced many critics by winning the league, becoming the first non-Italian manager to claim the Scudetto since José Mourinho in 2009/10. His achievement is all the more notable given that he had only 13 matches of Serie A coaching experience before taking the helm at Inter.

A Season of Dominance and Resilience

Inter have been the dominant force in Italian football this season, winning 26 of their 35 league matches and scoring 19 goals in their past six games. Their squad, valued at nearly €100 million more than second-placed Juventus, has been built around a core of players who have remained together for years: Alessandro Bastoni, Denzel Dumfries, Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Federico Dimarco, and Lautaro Martinez. the depth of the squad has been crucial, allowing Inter to cover long and significant absences without a drop in performance. The team's unity, fostered by captain Lautaro Martinez and manager Chivu, has ensured that every player feels important, even substitutes.

Overcoming Early Doubts and External Pressure

Inter started the season as underdogs for the title, coming off a campaign without trophies and the heavy Champions League final defeat. Many journalists predicted the end of an era, and Chivu was tipped by some to be the first manager sacked in Serie A after early defeats. However, Chivu proved his critics wrong by keeping the squad united, giving opportunities to young players, and winning consistently against lesser teams. While there were some poor performances in head-to-head clashes, Inter's cynicism and ability to win even when not playing well saw them through. Buonfino noted that other teams' issues—Milan and Juventus failing to measure up, and Napoli grappling with injuries—also played a part.

What Lies Ahead for the New Champions

Chivu's real challenge may come next season, with veteran players expected to leave and the need to make amends for a disappointing Champions League exit against Bodø/Glimt. The manager has already shown he can pick up the pieces from last year's crisis and give continuity to the project, but tactical credit also remains with his predecessor Inzaghi, whose influence is still evident. For now, Inter can celebrate their 21st Scudetto, moving two titles ahead of city rivals AC Milan. Blue and gold ribbons littered the pitch at San Siro as fans and players alike savored a triumph that cements Inter's recent standing as the dominant force in Italian football.

The bottom line

• Inter Milan won their 21st Serie A title with a 2-0 victory over Parma, moving 12 points clear of Napoli with three games to spare.
• Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the goals, with Inter dominating possession and chances.
• Cristian Chivu became the first non-Italian manager to win Serie A since José Mourinho in 2009/10.
• Inter's squad depth and continuity were key factors, with a core group of players remaining together for years.
• Despite early doubts, Chivu kept the team united and proved critics wrong, though tactical foundations laid by predecessor Simone Inzaghi remain evident.
• Next season presents challenges with potential player departures and a need to improve in the Champions League.