Women, dreaming of Europe

It's been an incredible and emotional season. Inter Women finished second in Women's Serie A 2024/24 and, as such, qualified for the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time in Club history.

With Gianpiero Piovani at the helm, he has managed to transform a young and ambitious squad into a true team in only his first season in charge. Strong, united, Nerazzurra.

REGULAR SEASON

The start of the season was a great one. A big 5-0 win against Sampdoria kicked things off in the most perfect way. That was followed by a 4-1 win in Naples., hard-fought draws with AC Milan and Roma, and a narrow victory away at Como. Piovani's side took shape quickly. Cambiaghi provided the pace, Serturini and Wullaert the technical brilliance, and Polli the continued fire. Magull added brains and Karchouni heart and defensive solidity. Piovani's team remained close to top spot thanks to some amazing moments: such as the 3-0 win against Sassuolo, 2-1 away at Roma and 3-0 away at Sampdoria.

There were some regrets: defeat in Florence, a derby draw with AC Milan, a loss to Juventus in the girone di ritorno.

However, the soul was always there. They never gave up, they stuck together, and they kept believing. They narrowly missed out in the Coppa quarter-final against Sassuolo, but there was no time to wallow in self-pity.

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Inter struggled to get going in the Championship Round, suffering defeat at the hands of Roma, drawing in a spicy derby and losing in Florence. But, with a win from behind against Juve in stoppage time, an authoritative 3-0 win against Roma and a big 4-1 derby victory, everything opened up once more. It all came down to the finer details. That win against the Bianconere in Turin was the cherry on top of the cake, with second place now a distinct possibility. Inter finished four points behind Juventus, on 51 in total. Their confidence bolstered, the Nerazzurre gained the belief that they could compete with anyone. In the process, they also achieved a historic Champions League qualification with a smile, with effort, and with talent.

STORIES, STATS AND STIMULI

There are seasons that remain long in the memory do to the names, numbers and feelings involved. This Inter Women side has given us one of those. There have been plenty of stories, symbols and icons. And stats, because stats can also provide stimulus.

Piovani's team finished the season as the best defence in Serie A with just 26 goals conceded. That speaks to their balance, compactness, and collective spirit. But there's more. Up top, 15 different places scored, telling us that this is more than just a team; it's a footballing symphony.

The queen in front of goal was Tessa Wullaert with 10 - often decisive and always elegant - goals. Annamaria Serturini was the creator with seven assists: vision, technique, sheer intelligence.

There is one story that complements the rest. A moving story. That of Lisa Alborghetti, our captain, our silent soul. A century of appearances for Inter made, then retirement. She was a core part of a project, which has now culminated in European football.

Numbers tell the tale and faces excite. This is a season that will stick with us. And it's only the beginning. Gianpiero Piovani has upped the ante, and the girls responded. It's been a season of growth, of determination, and of emotion. Now, the Champions League. Now, a new journey. Now, another page in the history books.