Nerazzurri look for newfound inspiration.
In the aftermath of a heartbreaking thrashing in the final of the 2025 UEFA Champions League, Inter Milan’s woes have gotten worse. Just three days after the Nerazzurri suffered a 5-0 demolition at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, head coach Simone Inzaghi announced his departure from the Italian club. The biggest defeat in the tournament’s finals was a follow-up to Inter’s 1-0 loss to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the 2023 summit clash.
The result in Bavaria was not the only loss felt by the Italian giants this season – merely a week prior to the Champions League final, Inter Milan crumbled to a Serie A title loss against Napoli on a nail-biting final matchday. The decision from Inzaghi comes after an agreement with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who are yet to appoint a permanent manager since the departure of Jorge Jesus last month.
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“The club and Simone Inzaghi’s paths separate,” Inter Milan announced in an official statement. “This is the decision taken by mutual agreement after the meeting that took place a few minutes ago.” During his time with the blue and black, the 49-year-old won 1 Scudetto, 2 Coppa Italia and 3 Supercoppa Italiana trophies. But who is going to replace him?
Multiple reports in Italy have claimed that the Nerazzurri have made contact with former Premier League veteran Cesc Fabregas to take over. He is the leading candidate as of now, and has the highest probability of becoming the next head coach at Internazionale. Fabregas has been the manager of Como FC since late 2023 – leading them to a top half of the table finish in Serie A this year.
Although he had a long and successful playing career, the Spaniard is still a relatively young and inexperienced coach. A La Masia graduate, he has 16 wins and 16 losses as interim + permanent manager of Como. Having earlier adopted a 4-2-2-2 system, Fabregas more recently switched to a 4-3-3 in possession and 4-1-4-1 out of possession.
Former Inter star Patrick Vieira has been lined up as an alternative, if Como FC refuse to let go of Cesc Fabregas. During his time with La Beneamata, Vieira made 67 appearances and scored 6 goals across more than four years. He has already mentored the likes of Nice and Crystal Palace during his decade-long managerial career – and is currently the head coach of Genoa FC.
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If Vieira is to be relieved of his duties with the Italian side, a €500K fee needs to be paid by the first week of July. With the 48-year-old Arsenal legend under contract until 2026, it will take some solid negotiations from the Nerazzurri to acquire Vieira’s services this summer. After all, he has taken Genoa from the brink of relegation to mid-table safety, garnering 30 points in 24 games during his six months.
Another name on the list, and perhaps a more plausible and likely replacement if the Fabregas deal collapses, is that of Cristian Chivu. The 44-year-old is an Inter Milan veteran – having represented the 20-time Serie A champions for over seven seasons. He also spent the primary years of his coaching career at the youth teams of Inter – managing the U-14, U-17, U-18 and U-19 sides between 2018 and 2024.
According to Sky Sports Italia, Inter has informed the Romanian coach of their interest. They are desperate to find a replacement at the earliest, and Chivu is on top of their priority list. He is currently the head coach of Parma, who finished 16th in the Serie A this past season.
Who will become the next manager of Internazionale Milano? Can they regain the Scudetto in 2026? Make your early predictions.
