Inter Milan Clinch 21st Scudetto with 2-0 Victory Over Parma at San Siro

Key facts

• Inter Milan defeated Parma 2-0 on matchday 35 to win the 2025-26 Serie A title.
• Marcus Thuram scored in first-half stoppage time (45'+1) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan added a second in the 80th minute.
• Inter moved to 82 points, establishing an unassailable 12-point lead over second-placed Napoli.
• Napoli were held to a 0-0 draw at Como on Saturday, allowing Inter to seal the title with a point.
• This is Inter's 21st Serie A title, third in six years, and the first time they clinched at San Siro since 1989.
• Thuram's goal was his fifth consecutive Serie A match on target; Lautaro Martinez provided the assist for Mkhitaryan's goal.
• Inter coach Cristian Chivu led the team to the title; Parma coach Carlos Cuesta saw his side finish safely mid-table.

Title Decided at San Siro After Napoli Stumble

Inter Milan secured the Serie A title on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Parma at the San Siro, moving an unassailable 12 points clear of defending champions Napoli with three matches remaining. The Nerazzurri entered the match knowing a draw would suffice after Napoli were held to a 0-0 draw at Como the previous day. The victory sparked immediate celebrations among the 75,000 home fans, with fireworks and dancing on the pitch as the team clinched their 21st scudetto. It was the first time Inter had sealed the title at home since 1989, ending a 37-year wait for a San Siro coronation. The club's third Serie A triumph in six years moves them second on the all-time list, trailing only Juventus's record 36 titles.

Thuram and Mkhitaryan Deliver the Decisive Goals

Marcus Thuram opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, latching onto a through ball from Piotr Zielinski, taking a touch, and sweeping the ball inside the far post from seven yards. The Frenchman, born in Parma while his father Lilian Thuram played there, scored his fifth consecutive league goal, a run that proved decisive in the title race. Henrikh Mkhitaryan sealed the victory in the 80th minute, tapping in a low cross from Lautaro Martinez, who had come off the bench after an injury layoff. Inter dominated possession and created the clearer chances throughout. Nicolò Barella struck the crossbar in the 26th minute, with the rebound hitting Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki on the back before the Japanese international scrambled it clear. Denzel Dumfries missed a close-range chance late on, firing over from a Federico Dimarco cross, but Mkhitaryan's goal ensured a comfortable finish.

Injuries and Squad Rotation Shape the Lineups

Inter were without Hakan Calhanoglu and Luis Henrique due to injury, while Lautaro Martinez started on the bench after recovering from a knock. Alessandro Bastoni made his first start in three weeks. Coach Cristian Chivu deployed a 3-5-2 formation with Yann Sommer in goal and a back three of Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, and Bastoni. Parma, already assured of Serie A safety, were missing Matija Frigan and Benja Cremaschi but fielded a strong side under coach Carlos Cuesta. Parma's best chance came early when Mateo Pellegrino volleyed wide from Adrian Bernabé's cross. Pio Esposito was forced off with a back injury at halftime, replaced by former Parma striker Ange-Yoan Bonny. Lautaro Martinez entered for the final 25 minutes and immediately influenced the game, setting up Mkhitaryan's goal.

Title Race Decided with Three Games to Spare

Inter's 82-point tally leaves them 12 points clear of Napoli, who have 70 points with three matches left. The Nerazzurri's dominance this season has been built on a strong defense and clinical attack, with Thuram and Lautaro Martinez forming one of Serie A's most potent partnerships. The title was effectively sealed when Napoli dropped points at Como, leaving Inter needing only a point at home. Sunday's result also had implications for the Champions League race. Milan lost 2-0 at Sassuolo, with Fikayo Tomori sent off, while Juventus drew 1-1 with relegated Hellas Verona. Milan hold third place two points ahead of Juventus, who are three points clear of fifth-placed Como. The top four qualify for next season's Champions League.

A Historic Night for Inter and Its Fans

The victory triggered emotional scenes at the San Siro, with players and staff celebrating on the pitch as fireworks lit up the Milan sky. For the first time in 37 years, Inter fans witnessed their team clinch the scudetto at home, a milestone that underscores the club's resurgence under Chivu. Thuram, speaking after the match, highlighted the team's unity: "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." Parma, meanwhile, ended their season with a respectable performance, having secured safety earlier. Coach Cuesta praised his team's effort but acknowledged Inter's superiority on the night.

Looking Ahead: Inter's Future and the Champions League Race

With three matches remaining, Inter can now focus on finishing the season strongly and preparing for next year's Champions League campaign. The club's 21st title adds to a storied history, and the squad is expected to retain its core players. The battle for Champions League places remains intense, with Milan, Juventus, and Como vying for the remaining spots. Bologna's 0-0 draw with Cagliari kept them in the hunt, while Sassuolo's victory over Milan boosted their survival hopes. Inter's triumph also raises questions about Napoli's ability to defend their title next season, as the gap between the top two appears significant. For now, the Nerazzurri and their fans will savor a title won in style at their historic home ground.

The bottom line

• Inter Milan won the 2025-26 Serie A title with a 2-0 victory over Parma, their 21st scudetto and third in six years.
• Marcus Thuram scored his fifth consecutive league goal, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan added the second from a Lautaro Martinez assist.
• Inter clinched with three games to spare after Napoli drew 0-0 at Como, leaving Inter with an unassailable 12-point lead.
• The title was sealed at San Siro for the first time since 1989, sparking massive celebrations among fans.
• Thuram, born in Parma while his father played there, scored the opening goal against his birthplace club.
• The result tightened the Champions League race, with Milan losing and Juventus drawing, leaving the top-four battle open.