Anatomy of Scudetto 20

San Siro is in ecstasy, Inter are the Champions of Italy and can proudly stitch the Second Star onto their chest. It's only by writing great pages in the present that the future is redefined. Today, the Nerazzurri have undoubtedly reached Olympus by winning the 20th Scudetto after an incredible season. Along the long journey that began in August, there have been numerous stages, moments, and moves that have characterised and outlined this triumph.

IMPORTANT MILESTONES

The journey in Serie A has been consistent and intense. Inter took the sole lead in the standings at the end of Matchday 4 after a resounding 5-1 win in the derby, only to lose the top spot in the eighth round after a home draw against Bologna. However, on the following matchday, thanks to a resounding 3-0 victory against Torino, Inzaghi's team returned to the top. Among the most significant matches on the march for the Second Star is certainly the one played in Turin against Juventus, which ended 1-1. After Vlahovic's goal, the Nerazzurri immediately responded with Lautaro's strike, providing an important statement for the title race. A week later, another decisive page was turned in the match against Napoli, where Inter dominated and won 3-0 thanks to goals from Calhanoglu, Barella, and Thuram. The match at the Maradona stadium was effectively a handover for the title race. A small part of the title was undoubtedly conquered in the home victory against Verona, thanks to Frattesi's goal in the 93'. A cry of joy, a frenzied run, and that unanimous chant that echoed in the hearts of fans and players: "For all those kilometres I've travelled for you." A recurring theme, a Nerazzurri state of mind that'd accompany the team throughout the season. Another memorable moment is undoubtedly the three consecutive wins, scoring four goals each, against Roma, Salernitana, and Lecce. This was the moment when rivals surrendered to Inter's dominance. Lastly, it's impossible not to mention the six points earned in the two consecutive matches against Roma and Juventus. The poker against Roma was yet another display of strength, while the narrow victory at San Siro against Juventus showcased the maturity of this group. Finally, the final act that handed the Scudetto to Inter, the derby against Milan.

THE CAPTAIN IN THE TOP 10

Some sparks generate moments of immortality. Instants to live, savour, and recount. That's exactly what Lautaro has done this season. The number 10 has proven decisive in capitalising on all the team's hard work, making him the perfect offensive leader of a sumptuous orchestra. For the Argentine, it was his first season as captain of Inter, and he immediately succeeded in writing memorable pages, putting his name on the Scudetto of the Second Star. In this Serie A, he reached the milestone of 100 goals, achieved in the match won against Lecce.

It doesn't end there. For Lautaro, these months have been filled with huge emotions and great achievements. In fact, with his 128 goals, he has become the eighth-highest scorer in Nerazzurri history and is now just 5 goals away from Nyers, who occupies seventh place. The football maturity of the Argentine is reflected in various numbers that emphasize his high technical ability. Lautaro's preferred foot is his right. He is the only player to have scored more than 15 goals with his right foot, left foot, and head over the last six Serie A seasons. A great goal scorer in the penalty area, he has scored more than 90 of his goals in the league from within the box. For the third consecutive year, he has surpassed the 20-goal mark in Serie A. His was a championship of the highest quality in which he displayed all his class.

Three goals can be taken as examples, encapsulating his entire repertoire. Without a doubt, the goal against Atalanta in Bergamo is one of the Argentine's gems. He exquisitely curled in from the left, leaving the Goddess' goalkeeper no chance. In his technical repertoire, there is also the goal scored at home against Bologna with a missile from 25 meters out. Finally, the goal against Juventus in Turin encapsulates his goalscoring instincts perfectly, with a first-time turn. For this goal, he showed tremendous determination, a desire to win with this jersey, and a desire to continue to be a brave and winning captain.

IMPENETRABLE DEFENSE

Building from the back and fluid defenders. This was the perfect combination of the 2023/24 season. Simone Inzaghi's football philosophy is based on a defensive setup consisting of three defenders, with the central defender stepping into midfield to create an additional attacking player. A veritable chess move. Among the main exponents of the three central defenders was Alessandro Bastoni, who in this season has also become a perfect playmaker. The Nerazzurri's number 95, in addition to always demonstrating his absolute defensive reliability, was decisive in providing 3 assists in the 3 matches played against Bologna, Napoli, and Empoli. Performances that recognised him as the Lega Serie A player of the month for March. Precious work also for Pavard, who has perfectly integrated into Inzaghi's system, excellently interpreting his role and understanding the game. Finally, it is impossible not to mention Sommer's extraordinary season, which recorded 17 clean sheets, demonstrating reliability and being able to count on him as the last line of defence.

BRAINPOWER AND CREATIVITY

The Nerazzurri midfield played a key role in securing the Second Star. The players who took to the field were prominent figures in adapting to different types of matches and opponents, always providing guarantees of both quantity and quality. The midfield department managed to combine brains and rationality with pure creativity. The calm game management of Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan merged with the exquisite plays of Dimarco, who revolutionized the left-wing role and proved to be the perfect prototype of the modern player. The Nerazzurri's number 32 was spectacular this season, scoring two beautiful goals that will forever remain in Inter's history. The goal from midfield against Frosinone and the ballistic gem at Empoli. Two unforgettable snapshots of the 20th Scudetto.

Carlos Augusto's performances were also impeccable, demonstrating great adaptability combined with quality. On the right flank, Darmian was undoubtedly the team's stabilizer, running tirelessly and balancing the team. Crucial to the team's mechanics was Nicolò Barella, who showed he could naturally perform at both ends of the pitch, always becoming the perfect springboard for attacks. Finally, a special mention must be made of Calhanoglu's scoring prowess, with eleven goals to his name and a 100% conversion rate from the nine penalties he took. Mr Reliable.

THE EXTRA MAN

Every triumph has its heroes who help achieve it. The players coming off the bench have been absolutely decisive, contributing significantly to winning the Scudetto game after game. The Frattesi area is a fundamental part of the Nerazzurri's tricolor story. The midfielder scored 5 goals in the league, three of which were scored after the 90th minute. Goals that are part of the most important moments, like the wild celebration after the goal against Udinese, which delivered a crucial piece of the tricolour to Inter. Also indispensable in the team's balance of power were Asllani, Carlos Augusto, and Dumfries, who in midfield allowed the team to manage the workload effectively. Reliability and experience were the mantra for De Vrij, Arnautovic, and Sanchez, who added experience to the team. Their contribution proved decisive in managing various matches, playing a key role in the championship victory.

A DEDICATION TO THE NEW ARRIVALS

After two seasons in which Inter raised 5 trophies, several new faces arrived at the Suning Training Centre in the summer of 2023. Marcus Thuram was the player who surprised the most, immediately fitting into the team's dynamics and becoming an instant hit with goals and creativity. With 11 goals and seven assists, he is the second Inter player, since the 2004/05 season, to score more than 10 goals and provide more than five assists in his first Serie A season with the Nerazzurri, after Samuel Eto'o. Benjamin Pavard, as mentioned, wasted no time in integrating, showing personality and bringing a lot of experience to the team. Yann Bisseck also had an excellent season, progressively carving out a significant role and proving to be a valuable asset. Experience and charisma are the characteristics added by Cuadrado and Klaassen, while unpredictability is certainly inherent in Buchanan, a January signing. All the new arrivals have embraced the Inter cause, becoming an integral part of an extraordinary group with dedication, selflessness, and a sense of belonging.