MILAN – Simone Inzaghi’s departure from Inter Milan, just days after a crushing defeat in the Champions League final, would not have occurred had the Nerazzurri secured victory, according to his agent, Federico Pastorello. Inzaghi’s four-year tenure with Inter, marked by six trophies including a Scudetto and two consecutive Coppa Italia titles, culminated in a disappointing 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Munich on May 31st. Following this defeat, Inzaghi’s unexpected announcement of his move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal sparked widespread speculation.
Rumors circulated suggesting that Inzaghi’s focus had been divided by the Al Hilal offer, impacting Inter Milan’s performance in the crucial final. However, Pastorello vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the outcome of the Champions League final was the deciding factor in Inzaghi’s decision.
"Certainly, the contact [with Al Hilal] began before. No negotiation can be finalized in a week," Pastorello stated in an interview with FCInterNews. "However, I can confirm that the decision was made after the final match. Simone himself told me that if he had won that game, he would not have left."
Pastorello emphasized the significance of winning the Champions League in a manager’s career, suggesting that the devastating loss played a pivotal role in Inzaghi’s decision to explore new opportunities. "The final was handled very poorly by everyone, so I don’t believe it happened because the coach could have been distracted. Inzaghi is a professional, and winning the Champions League makes a huge difference in any manager’s career."
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He further refuted allegations that Inzaghi was distracted by external offers in the lead-up to the final. "I understand all the speculation, but these stories are completely fabricated. He remained focused on Inter until his last day of work. In fact, he closed all kinds of conversations 4-5 days before the final," Pastorello affirmed.
Inzaghi’s time at Inter Milan was a period of significant success and near misses. He inherited a team that had just won the Scudetto under Antonio Conte but had also lost key players like Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi. Despite these challenges, Inzaghi quickly established himself, implementing his tactical vision and leading the team to consistent performances.
His first season saw Inter finish second in Serie A, just two points behind AC Milan, while also winning the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana. The following season, Inter secured another Coppa Italia title and reached the Champions League final for the first time since 2010.
Throughout his tenure, Inzaghi was praised for his tactical flexibility, his ability to motivate players, and his commitment to attacking football. He often employed a 3-5-2 formation, emphasizing wing-back play and a strong midfield presence. His attacking philosophy was evident in Inter’s goal-scoring record, as they consistently ranked among the top-scoring teams in Serie A.
However, Inzaghi also faced criticism for Inter’s inconsistency in crucial matches, particularly in Serie A. Despite their strong performances in cup competitions, Inter often struggled to maintain a consistent level in the league, leading to dropped points against lower-ranked teams. This inconsistency ultimately cost them the Scudetto in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
The Champions League final defeat against PSG was a particularly bitter pill to swallow. Inter had put in a strong performance throughout the competition, defeating the likes of Barcelona and Benfica en route to the final. However, they were outclassed by PSG in the final, with the French side’s superior firepower proving too much to handle.
The loss raised questions about Inzaghi’s tactical approach and his ability to compete with Europe’s elite teams. Some critics argued that he had been too cautious in the final, while others questioned his team selection and substitutions.
Despite the disappointment of the Champions League final defeat, Inzaghi’s legacy at Inter Milan remains a positive one. He led the team to several trophies, brought stability and attacking football back to the club, and helped develop several key players. His departure leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, and Inter Milan will need to find a capable replacement to continue their progress.
The speculation surrounding Inzaghi’s move to Al Hilal has also raised questions about the growing influence of Saudi Arabian football. Several high-profile players and managers have been linked with moves to Saudi clubs in recent years, attracted by the lucrative salaries and ambitious projects on offer.
Al Hilal, in particular, have been aggressive in their pursuit of top talent, and Inzaghi’s appointment is a clear indication of their ambition to become a major force in Asian football. The Saudi Pro League is rapidly developing, and it is likely that more high-profile figures will follow Inzaghi’s lead in the coming years.
As for Inter Milan, the club now faces the challenge of finding a new manager to lead them forward. Several names have been linked with the job, including former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino and former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel. The new manager will need to be able to maintain Inter’s attacking style of play, while also addressing their defensive vulnerabilities and improving their consistency in Serie A.
Inter’s squad boasts a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, including Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella, and Alessandro Bastoni. The new manager will need to find a way to get the best out of these players and build a team that is capable of competing for both domestic and European honors.
The upcoming season will be a crucial one for Inter Milan, as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of the Champions League final defeat and re-establish themselves as a dominant force in Italian football. The appointment of a new manager is a key step in this process, and the club will need to make the right decision to ensure their continued success.
Meanwhile, Inzaghi embarks on a new chapter in his career with Al Hilal. The move presents him with a fresh challenge and an opportunity to test himself in a different footballing environment. He will be tasked with building a competitive team and leading Al Hilal to success in the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League.
Inzaghi’s departure from Inter Milan marks the end of an era, but his legacy at the club will be remembered for years to come. He brought success, attacking football, and a sense of optimism back to Inter, and he will always be regarded as a popular figure among the club’s fans. His next move to Saudi Arabia to manage Al Hilal, may be a lucrative one, but it remains to be seen whether he can replicate the success he enjoyed in Italy. The world of football will be watching with interest to see how both Inter Milan and Simone Inzaghi fare in their respective new ventures.
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Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.
His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.
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