Inter Milan Clinch 21st Scudetto Under Chivu, Dominating Serie A with Record Assists

Key facts

• Inter secured the 2025/26 Serie A title with a 2-0 win over Parma on May 3, 2026.
• The title is Inter's 21st Scudetto, achieved with three rounds remaining.
• Cristian Chivu, 45, won the league in his first season as head coach.
• Federico Dimarco recorded 18 assists, the most in a single Serie A season.
• Lautaro Martinez leads the division with 16 goals.
• Inter scored 80 league goals, 30 more than Napoli and AC Milan.
• The club conceded only 31 goals, averaging less than one per game.
• Inter lost in the Champions League play-off round to Bodo/Glimt.

Title Sealed with Victory Over Parma

Inter Milan secured their 21st Serie A title on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Parma at San Siro. The result gave them an unassailable 12-point lead at the top of the table with three rounds remaining. Heading into the 35th round, Inter knew they could clinch the Scudetto with a win against Parma, or earlier if Napoli and AC Milan dropped points. Napoli drew and Milan lost, allowing Inter to seal the deal with a comfortable win. For head coach Cristian Chivu, it is a monumental achievement in his first season in charge of the Nerazzurri.

Chivu's First Season Triumph

Chivu, a former Inter player, was entrusted with the role after Simone Inzaghi left for Saudi club Al Hilal in the summer of 2025. Inzaghi had set a high bar, winning the 2023/24 league title, two Coppa Italia trophies, and reaching two Champions League finals. Immediate success was not expected from the 45-year-old, especially with Antonio Conte's Napoli defending their title and AC Milan under Massimiliano Allegri. However, Inter's challengers faded as the season progressed, while Juventus, fourth, changed managers in October and never contended. Inter's domestic dominance was not mirrored in Europe; they were eliminated in the Champions League play-off round by Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt. That exit intensified pressure on Chivu's side, but they held their nerve domestically.

Record-Breaking Attack and Solid Defense

Inter have been the most prolific attack in Italy, scoring 80 goals in the league — at least 30 more than both Napoli and Milan. Only Barcelona and Bayern Munich have scored more across Europe's top five leagues. Captain Lautaro Martinez leads the division with 16 goals, supported by Marcus Thuram (13) and Hakan Calhanoglu (9). Twenty-year-old Francesco 'Pio' Esposito has enjoyed a breakout campaign with six goals. Defensively, Inter have conceded just 31 goals, averaging less than one per game. Veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer and summer loan signing Manuel Akanji have been ever-presents as the side lost only five matches all season.

Dimarco's Historic Assist Milestone

Full-back Federico Dimarco has been the creative engine, recording 18 assists — the most in a single Serie A season ever. He broke the previous record in a 2-2 draw with Torino, where he set up both goals. Dimarco's tally includes 17 assists before the Parma match, and he added another against Parma to reach 18. Nicolo Barella has also contributed over half a dozen assists. Inter's home goal difference of +32 is the club's best at this stage of any campaign since the late 1950s, underscoring their supremacy at San Siro.

Path to the Title and Coppa Italia Final

Inter's title charge was marked by a late-season surge, winning four straight games before the draw with Torino. They have now secured the Scudetto with three rounds to spare. Chivu's side can now focus on completing a domestic double, as they face Lazio in the upcoming Coppa Italia final. The team will aim to add the cup to their league triumph. Parma, meanwhile, have secured top-flight survival, winning their last two games 1-0 against Udinese and Pisa. Their last win at San Siro against Inter dates back to 1999.

Looking Ahead: Chivu's Legacy and Future Challenges

Chivu's achievement in winning the title in his debut season places him among elite company, but the Champions League exit remains a blemish. The club will likely seek to build on this domestic success with European ambitions. The departure of Inzaghi left big shoes to fill, but Chivu has proven his tactical acumen, particularly in maintaining a potent attack and stingy defense. With a young core including Esposito and established stars like Martinez and Barella, Inter appear well-positioned for sustained success. However, the challenge of retaining the title will intensify, with Napoli and Milan expected to strengthen. Chivu's ability to navigate the pressures of defending the Scudetto will define his tenure.

The bottom line

• Inter Milan won the 2025/26 Serie A title with a 2-0 win over Parma, securing their 21st Scudetto.
• Cristian Chivu became the first manager since José Mourinho to win the league in his debut season.
• Federico Dimarco set a new Serie A record with 18 assists in a single season.
• Inter scored 80 goals, the most in the league, and conceded only 31.
• The club will face Lazio in the Coppa Italia final, aiming for a domestic double.
• Inter's Champions League exit to Bodo/Glimt highlighted a need for European improvement.