Shillong: Inter Milan aims for back-to-back glory this year. Manager Cristian Chivu silenced critics after replacing Simone Inzaghi following a brutal 5-0 Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite only overseeing 13 Serie A matches before his hire, the 45-year-old secured a league and cup double. Success bred unity.
Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu credits the coach for the turnaround. "Everyone was thinking that Inter was, let’s say dying, after what happened," Calhanoglu told beIN Sports Australia. He noted the personal connection the boss builds with the squad. "With Chivu it is something different, he cares more about the person, not about the football."
Inter bolstered its ranks with English talent. The club signed defenders Djed Spence and John Stones and eyes midfielder Curtis Jones. The champions open the season Saturday against Monza. Chaos defines their rivals. Nine Serie A teams swapped coaches this offseason. Antonio Conte left Napoli, replaced by Massimiliano Allegri. Milan finished fifth last year and hired Ruben Amorim, setting a transfer record by signing Goncalo Ramos for over 70 million euros.
Stability remains for others. Roma kept manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who took the club to the Champions League for the first time since 2018. They added youngsters Santiago Castro and Rodrigo Mora. Juventus extended Luciano Spalletti for two years following a sixth-place finish. Meanwhile, dark horse Como remains a threat after finishing fourth. Coach Cesc Fabregas reinforced his defense with Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah for 30 million euros and retained playmaker Nico Paz. Como faces the test of balancing league play with their first-ever European campaign.
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