Inter Secures Domestic Crown After First Season Under Chivu
Inter Milan has claimed both the Serie A title and Italian Cup in a single campaign, completing a domestic double in Cristian Chivu's inaugural season as manager. The 2-0 victory over Lazio in Wednesday's Cup final at Rome's Stadio Olimpico sealed the achievement. The 85-point haul in Serie A—accumulated across 36 matches—underscores the consistency that defined their march to silverware.
Why This Matters
• First domestic double since 2010: Inter's last domestic double coincided with the legendary treble season, when Chivu himself was a defender under José Mourinho.
• Unconventional managerial path: Chivu's appointment from the academy raised questions about his readiness for the role, which his results have now addressed.
• Rapid transition: The club navigated a significant change in leadership while maintaining competitive performance across domestic competitions.
The Rookie Manager's First Season Success
When the Inter board elevated Chivu from youth academy director to first-team coach in June 2025, the move triggered widespread skepticism. The Romanian possessed limited prior top-flight management experience. The previous manager, Simone Inzaghi, had delivered stability and European pedigree. His replacement lacked both.
Despite these concerns, Chivu guided Inter to dominance in Serie A and the Italian Cup. His appointment represented a significant bet on youth development philosophy translating to elite football. That gamble has paid off with concrete silverware, though questions remain about whether this success represents sustainable achievement or a singular season.
The Cup Final Victory
The Coppa Italia final required little drama. Lazio conceded an early own goal through Adam Marusic, putting Inter ahead. The second goal followed when Nuno Tavares lost possession in midfield, and Inter capitalized with Lautaro Martinez finishing the resulting opportunity. Inter controlled the remainder of the match, securing their 10th Italian Cup title.
A Historic Achievement
Chivu's inaugural campaign delivers a domestic double—an accomplishment that places Inter at the pinnacle of Italian football this season. The parallel to 2010 is inescapable: Chivu lifted the Champions League, Serie A, and Italian Cup as a defender under José Mourinho, and now returns to Inter decades later to deliver two of those three trophies as manager.
For Inter supporters, the narrative arc is significant. The club has established domestic dominance and positioned itself competitively for the coming campaign. Whether Chivu sustains this trajectory or this represents a singular remarkable season will depend on the choices made in the transfer window and how the squad evolves.
What Comes Next
Inter's trajectory entering next season depends on transfer decisions and squad management. The Italian football market remains competitive, with rivals conducting their own squad adjustments. Inter must balance ambition against financial constraints while managing any squad changes.
For residents living across Lombardy and Milan, Inter's domestic success injects collective pride into neighborhood celebrations. The cup final's location in Rome amplified the national character of the achievement, with supporters traveling from across the peninsula.
For now, Inter stands atop Italian football with a rookie manager who has delivered results that defy initial skepticism.
