Marcus Thuram found the net, while Lautaro Martinez orchestrated the attack. The duo, instrumental in Inter Milan’s recent triumphs, propelled the Nerazzurri to the Italian league title with a commanding 2-0 victory over visiting Parma on Sunday.
Inter, requiring just a single point to clinch the crown, opened an insurmountable 12-point gap over defending champion Napoli with three matches remaining. This marks Inter’s 21st Serie A title—trailing only Juventus’ record 36—and their third in six years. However, it was the first time in nearly four decades that the club sealed the Scudetto in front of their own fans at San Siro, a moment dating back to 1989.
Fireworks, dancing, and unrestrained joy erupted as the final whistle blew.
Thuram struck just before halftime, firing an angled shot beyond the reach of Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Then, 37-year-old Henrikh Mkhitaryan doubled the lead in the 80th minute, finishing a pass from Serie A’s top scorer Lautaro, who came off the bench after recovering from injury.
Thuram was born in Parma while his father, Lilian Thuram, played for the club. “Since I arrived at Inter, this team has always loved sticking together—on and off the pitch—and that’s our strength,” Thuram said.
For first-year coach Cristian Chivu, the title came against the club he led last season, helping Parma avoid relegation. Chivu, who replaced the departed Simone Inzaghi nearly a year ago, was a key figure in Inter’s treble-winning side under José Mourinho in 2010.
Inter, still chasing a second trophy this term, will face Lazio in the Italian Cup final in ten days.
Domestic success starkly contrasts with Inter’s Champions League playoff elimination by Norwegian minnows Bodø/Glimt earlier this season. Last year, Inter suffered a 5-0 drubbing by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. Yet, this campaign represents a clear improvement over the previous Serie A season, where Inter finished just one point behind Napoli.
“(Chivu) did an excellent job bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm,” Lautaro said. “After four great years with Simone, maybe we needed a change after that Champions League final. Chivu made sure everyone felt involved and could even train with a smile. That really helped.”
Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella was reminded of his role as a leader for Italy, a team that failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. “That’s football and life. There are difficult moments,” Barella said. “For example, last season we came so close to everything and won nothing. In life you always have to get back on your feet.”