Thuram and Mkhitaryan Fire Inter to 21st Serie A Title in Front of San Siro Faithful

Key facts

• Inter Milan won their 21st Serie A title with a 2-0 win over Parma on May 3, 2026.
• Marcus Thuram scored in first-half stoppage time; Henrikh Mkhitaryan added a second in the 80th minute.
• Inter moved 12 points clear of Napoli, who were held 0-0 by Como on Saturday.
• The title was sealed with three rounds remaining, marking Inter's third scudetto in six years.
• Inter had not clinched the league at the San Siro since 1989.
• Lautaro Martínez, the Serie A scoring leader, returned from injury as a substitute and assisted Mkhitaryan's goal.
• Thuram was born in Parma while his father Lilian Thuram played for the club.

A Long-Awaited Home Coronation

Inter Milan secured their 21st Serie A title on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Parma at the San Siro, ending a 37-year wait to clinch the scudetto in front of their own fans. The result gave Inter an unassailable 12-point lead over defending champions Napoli, who had been held to a goalless draw at Como the previous day. With three matches remaining, the Nerazzurri celebrated their third league title in six years, a triumph built on collective strength and individual brilliance. Fireworks and dancing erupted at the final whistle as players, staff, and supporters savored a moment that had eluded the club since 1989. The victory was not merely a formality; Inter needed only a draw but delivered a commanding performance that underscored their dominance this season.

Thuram's First-Half Strike Breaks Parma Resistance

Marcus Thuram opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, slotting home an angled shot after being found unmarked by Piotr Zielinski's through ball. The goal sparked a frenzy among the home supporters, who had grown anxious as Inter controlled possession but struggled to convert chances. Earlier, Nicolò Barella had struck the underside of the bar in the 25th minute, with the rebound hitting Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki on the back before the Japan international reacted to tip the ball away from the line. Thuram, born in Parma while his father Lilian played for the club, described the team's unity as their strength. 'Since I arrived at Inter, it’s been a team that loves to stay together — on and off the field — and that’s our strength,' he said after the match.

Mkhitaryan Seals the Title with Lautaro's Return

Henrikh Mkhitaryan put the result beyond doubt in the 80th minute, tapping in a low cross from Lautaro Martínez, who had come off the bench to mark his return from an injury layoff. The 37-year-old's goal sparked immediate title celebrations among the Inter supporters, who had watched their team dominate the second half without adding to the scoreline. Federico Dimarco delivered a near-perfect cross to Denzel Dumfries in the closing stages, but the defender failed to control his first touch, sending a close-range effort high over the bar. Lautaro, the Serie A scoring leader, had been sidelined but made an immediate impact, providing the assist that sealed the victory. His return adds depth to an Inter side that has shown remarkable consistency throughout the campaign.

Champions League Race Intensifies as Milan and Juventus Falter

While Inter celebrated, the battle for Champions League qualification tightened. AC Milan suffered a 2-0 defeat at Sassuolo, reduced to 10 men after Fikayo Tomori's sending-off, and have scored only one goal in their past five matches. Domenico Berardi scored early for Sassuolo, and Armand Laurienté doubled the lead after the break, leaving Milan with four defeats in seven matches. Juventus drew 1-1 at home with relegated Hellas Verona, extending their unbeaten run to nine matches but dropping valuable points. Kieron Bowie put Verona ahead after intercepting a pass from Gleison Bremer, before Dusan Vlahovic equalized with a free-kick for his first goal since October. Third-placed Milan are two points ahead of fourth-placed Juventus, who are just three points clear of fifth-placed Como, with the top four securing Champions League berths.

Inter's Dominance Rooted in Collective Strength

Inter's title triumph reflects a season of controlled authority. With 82 points from 35 matches, they have built an unassailable lead through a blend of tactical discipline and individual flair. The victory over Parma, though not a classic, epitomized their ability to manage games: they controlled possession, created chances, and struck at key moments. The team's depth was evident as substitutes like Lautaro and Zielinski made decisive contributions. The club's 21st scudetto moves them closer to Juventus's record 36 titles, but the manner of this victory — sealed at home after nearly four decades — carries symbolic weight. For a club that has undergone significant changes, including the appointment of head coach Cristian Chivu, this title reaffirms Inter's place among Italy's elite.

What Comes Next: A Title Defense and Transfer Window Questions

With three matches remaining, Inter can now rotate and prepare for next season's Champions League campaign. The club's management will face decisions on player contracts and potential transfers, particularly around key figures like Lautaro Martínez, whose future has been the subject of speculation. The return of the Argentine from injury will be a boost, but his long-term commitment remains an open question. For Parma, the focus shifts to securing their Serie A status, while Napoli will look to rebuild after falling short of defending their title. The broader Serie A landscape sees Milan and Juventus fighting for Champions League places, with Como emerging as a surprise contender. Inter's dominance, however, sets a high bar for the competition.

A Night of Celebration and Reflection at San Siro

As the fireworks lit up the Milan sky, Inter's players embraced the moment they had worked all season to achieve. For Thuram, scoring against the club where he was born added a personal layer to the triumph. For the fans, the wait since 1989 made the celebration sweeter. The title is a testament to the club's resilience and the vision of its leadership, from the boardroom to the dressing room. Inter's 21st scudetto is not just a number; it is a statement of intent. In a league where Juventus's record 36 titles once seemed untouchable, Inter's steady accumulation of championships signals a shift in the balance of power. The party at San Siro may have been decades in the making, but it could be the first of many to come.

The bottom line

• Inter Milan clinched the 2025-26 Serie A title with a 2-0 win over Parma, their 21st scudetto and third in six years.
• Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the goals, with Lautaro Martínez providing an assist on his return from injury.
• Inter established an unassailable 12-point lead over Napoli with three matches remaining, sealing the title at home for the first time since 1989.
• The victory highlighted Inter's depth and collective strength, with key contributions from substitutes and a solid defensive performance.
• AC Milan and Juventus dropped points, intensifying the race for Champions League qualification, with Como emerging as a contender.
• Inter's title win underscores their sustained dominance in Serie A and sets the stage for future challenges, including Champions League ambitions.