Inter Milan blew away arch-rivals AC Milan and Juventus last term, steamrolling their way to a 20th Scudetto. They lost only two league games throughout the season.
Inter finished the campaign 19 points clear of Milan in second place, leaving the Rossoneri trailing in their dust.
Their dominance didn’t only show in the Serie A title win but in how they dispatched Milan in their head-to-head clashes.
Inter thrashed Milan 5-1 and 2-1, showing the gulf in class between them and their rivals. Inter were better tactically, physically, and technically.
Heading into the 2024/25 campaign, Inter will feel confident they can repeat their outstanding feat. They have kept most of the squad that clinched the title, and reinforcements are trickling in.
American investment fund Oaktree Capital Management took over Inter Milan after former owners Suning missed a €395 million debt payment.
However, things continue to move as usual, with Guiseppe Marotta taking charge of proceedings.
The legendary director has already done the most pivotal bit of ensuring success for next season by tying manager Simone Inzaghi to a new deal. Inzaghi put pen to paper on a one-year extension that takes his stay at the club to 2026.
Now, Inter look to the 2024/25 season, can they repeat their outstanding accomplishments from last season?
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Don’t miss out on the electric atmosphere as Lautaro Martinez and the boys battle it out for glory.
Inter Milan season preview
The Nerazzurri are the early and overwhelming favourites for the Serie A title, with Inzaghi continuing as head coach. However, Inter will likely be made to work harder than last season to taste the glory.
Milan have hired a new coach, Paulo Fonseca, and plan to plug holes in their squad to compete next season.
If the Rossoneri can find a replacement for Olivier Giroud, complete the signing of Youssouf Fofana to address their need for physicality in the middle and find a top-notch right-back, they will be raring to match Inter stride for stride.
However, Napoli is the most threatening team to Inter’s dominance following the appointment of former Inter boss Antonio Conte as head coach. The Italian manager is a four-time Serie A winner.
Conte has mastered the art of winning domestic titles and could provide a worthy challenge to Inter’s title ambitions.
The Partenopei are giving Conte the tools he needs to succeed in the transfer market, which makes him a more dangerous proponent.
Nevertheless, it may take time for Napoli to fully accept his style and philosophy after years of playing football differently.
Meanwhile, Juventus under manager Thiago Motta and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli can also serve up something exciting. But a title challenge looks like a tall order at this point.
Inter, Milan, and Napoli are the top candidates for the Serie A title next season, but the Nerazzurri look best-positioned to lift the trophy in May 2025.
They have the know-how, experience, resilience, and tactical balance to claim back-to-back Scudetto titles for the first time since they won it four times in a row between 2005-2010.
Inter Milan transfer plans
Inter’s dilapidating finances have left them unable to make big-money transfers for several seasons.
But with top operators like Marotta and Piero Ausilio at the helm, the club has managed to keep its head above water.
Last summer, they showed their market mastery, selling Andre Onana, Marcelo Brozovic, Robin Gosens, Andrea Pinamonti and more.
They used the windfall to secure Francesco Acerbi, Marcus Thuram, Yann Sommer, Kristjan Asslani, Tajon Buchanan, and Davide Frattesi.
With even more financial austerity this summer, Inter must use the loan and free transfer market to address its weaknesses.
Thuram and captain Martinez spearheaded Inter to the Serie A title last term with 37 goals between them and will likely retain their spots in the starting XI.
However, Martinez’s goals dried up around February last season, and Thuram is quite injury-prone. Inter need quality back-ups to step up when the first-teamers start struggling.
Inter have already secured former FC Porto striker Mehdi Taremi to provide competition for the centre-forwards alongside Marko Arnautovic.
Taremi bagged 91 goals and 56 assists in 182 appearances for the Primeira Liga giants, establishing himself as one of the top strikers in the Portuguese league.
The Iranian striker arrives in the twilight of his career. But even at 32 and with his goal-scoring numbers dwindling, his experience and immaculate link-up play can be vital for Inter’s ambitions.
Inter also added more invaluable experience to their midfield with the signing of Piotr Zielinski. The former Napoli man knows the league. He also provides goals, assists, and drive from midfield.
Meanwhile, Inter needed a successor for Sommer and signed Josep Martinez from Genoa for around €15m.
The 26-year-old Spanish goalkeeper was a key player for Genoa in the league last season, keeping eight clean sheets and helping the newly promoted side secure a surprising 11th-place finish.
Inter still want to bring in another left-footed/left-sided centre-back and are keen on Martinez’s former teammate, Juan Cabal. They face competition from Juventus for his signature.
There is also interest in free agent Mario Hermoso, who recently left Atletico Madrid upon the expiration of his deal.
Inter don’t lack quality in many areas and have already plugged most of the squad gaps as they look to defend their crown.
Inter season expectations
Under normal circumstances, Inter’s financial situation would be a reason to downplay their chances. But they have shown they know how to thrive in adversity.
Expect Inter to fight for the Scudetto again next season, with Inzaghi leading the charge.
The team has been well-drilled, and they execute his tactics flawlessly. This continuity will be vital next season, especially with their rivals struggling to adapt to new managers.
In the Coppa Italia, they are also the favourites. Inzaghi gained notoriety as a cup specialist and will have his men fighting for glory following last season’s early exit.
Inter will be desperate to improve their shortcomings in the UEFA Champions League.
After finishing runners-up in 2022/23, Inter crashed out of Europe’s premier competition in the round of 16 at the hands of Atletico Madrid, losing on penalties.
Inter want to improve on that record next season, even though another exciting run to the final may be too much to ask of Inzaghi.
Inter are well-placed to compete on multiple fronts even with limited finances due to the expertise in the front office.
The Nerazzurri’s blend of a strong core, shrewd summer transfers, and experienced management makes them a force to be reckoned with in Serie A and beyond.
