Inter Milan’s 2024/25 season was a contrasting campaign marked by domestic consistency but European disappointment, ultimately separated by major management changes.
On the positive side, Nerazzuri confirmed his position as one of the top sides of Serie A, reaching the Coppa Italia semi-finals and finishing runner-up in the league while competing for the Super Coppa Italia Na Finals.
Offensively, the team thrived at times, with Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thurham leading the powerful offenses with memorable results, including the demolition of Lazio’s 6-0.
However, the critical low point of the season came in Europe. There, defensive vulnerability and tactical flexibility were cruelly exposed. Final defeat in the 5-0 Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain.
The results not only underscored the need for structural adjustments to the pitch, but also inspired major changes, including the departure of Simone Inzagi and the appointment of Christian Chive as head coach. Chivu’s arrival marks a new tactical era that emphasizes dynamic offensive play and high press, representing both new opportunities and transitional periods for the team.
Squad composition also played a major role in shaping the campaign. The departure of experienced players, including Juan Cuadrado, Davy Klaassen and Alexis Sánchez, left a gap between depth and leadership.
Maintaining a balance between defensive solidity and offensive fluidity between experienced campaigners and emerging talents appears as a central challenge that will take over on 2025/26.
Looking ahead, Inter’s focus is clear. It integrates domestic strengths, addresses costly weaknesses in Europe, and allows teams to adapt tactically under Chivu’s new leadership. Last season’s highs and lows provide both blueprints and warnings, setting the stage for a campaign where ambition and pragmatism must be closely linked.
Tactical evolution
Inter Milan will enter the 2025/26 season under new leadership after Simone Inzagi leaves, following the final defeat of the 5-0 Champions League at the hands of PSG.
The club has appointed Christian Chive as head coach, showing a major change in the management landscape. A former interdefender and member of the team that won the 2010 Treble, Chivu brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection with the club. He previously managed Parmaled them to the safety of the Serie, and achieved success with Inter youth teams, winning the 2022 Primavera League title.
Chivu’s tactical philosophy emphasizes a dynamic and fluid play style. He shifted Inter from Inzagi’s 3-5-2 to a more attacking 3-4-2-1 setup, giving off more freedom to offensive players and encouraging vertical high-tempo play. The high pressure mentality is at the heart of his approach, aiming to quickly regain possessions and maintain balance at every stage of play.
The goal for the 2025/26 season at Chivu is ambitious. The club did not announce any specific targets, but there is a clear focus on competing strongly in both Serie A and European competitions.
Chivu aims to showcase a more aggressive, adaptable, collective style of play while building on top of the team’s strong defensive foundation.
This appointment is met with a mix of optimism and careful expectations. Fans and experts are encouraged by Chiv’s deep club ties and tactical vision, but remain vigilant about his limited top-level management experience. Still, he hopes that his fresh approach will rejuvenate his team and keep Inter competitive throughout the tough season.
New additions and departures
The transfer window for the summer of 2025 brought a mix of confirmed moves and high-profile rumors for Inter Milan.
Verified Signature: Inter added Dinamo Zagreb’s versatile midfielder Petal Sticci to enhance the team’s engine room. Luis Henrique, the Olympic des Marseilles winger, Pacy Brazil, will be taking part in adding more creativity and breadth.
Zinho Vanheusden returns from the loan spell and bolsters the central defense, while Ange-Yoan Bonny and Eddie Salcedo provide the depth of attack and competition.
Departure: Inter said goodbye to Nicola Zalevsky, who moved to Atalanta, and Joaquin Correa, who joined Botafogo. Veteran defender Francesco Aserbi is also attracting interest from La Liga. These exits could affect defensive stability and offensive rotation early in the season.
Transfer rumors: Speculation continues around Hakan Charhanor, linked to a return to Türkiye but expected to remain at Inter. The club is monitoring Rome’s Manucone and goalkeeper Andre Onana as potential reinforcements later in the window.
Future challenges
Inter Milan will face the 2025/26 season and will integrate new players into the Christian system, navigating both domestic and European competitions.
With Serie A more competitive than ever, Napoli aims to defend the title, AC Milan is aiming to challenge the top spot under Massimiliano Alegri, while Juventus will rebuild under Igor Tudor. Intel needs consistency, tactical flexibility and squad rotation to stay on the Scudetto hunt.
In Europe, the lessons from last season’s final 5-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain are still fresh. Going through the group stage and deeper into the knockout round requires sharper defensive cohesion and a more dynamic offensive approach.
Chivu’s high-pressure, vertical style is tested against a technically skilled European aspect, making it critical of any decision from formation to player rotation.
Fixture crowding is another challenge. Important clashes, including early season encounters with top tier teams like Derby De Ramadnina and Atalanta and Napoli, could set the tone of the campaign. Injuries, stopping and fatigue all play a role, and it’s important to maintain a focus on the most intense stretches of the season.
Despite these pressures, Intel is also an appealing proposition for fans and analysts. The team’s surrender at the tail end of the 24/25 season extended Inter’s odds of success this season, and Punters can make bets online If they believe there will be a bright day for Nerazzurri under Chibu.
Ultimately, Inter’s success relies on an experience of merging new talent with tactical adaptability and resilience across the packed calendar.
Serie A competitors have undoubtedly been bolstered over the summer. So we’ll see if Inter can keep up, especially considering the wholesale changes at the club following the Champions League final.
