While Denzel Dumfries got into trouble for waving an offensive anti-Milan banner during the Inter Scudetto parade, Henrikh Mkhitaryan showed greater wisdom.

The Nerazzurri travelled for seven hours through the city streets on an open-top bus with circa 300,000 fans coming out to greet them on their journey to Piazza Duomo.

The players were handed several banners by the supporters and Dumfries is under investigation by the FIGC for gleefully waving an image depicting him as a character from Grand Theft Auto holding Milan left-back Theo Hernandez as a dog on a leash.

During the same parade, his teammate Mkhitaryan was handed a banner that was insulting towards Milan, asked for it to be explained to him, then gave it straight back to the supporter.

The banner read ‘you’ve got one star and a complex’ – this was Inter’s celebration for the second star, marking 20 Scudetti.

Mkhitaryan gesture

#Mkhitaryan avrà pensato: “ho due lauree, parlo sette lingue…ho vissuto, giocato e vinto in tanti paesi, per finire ad alzare questi brutti striscioni di sfottò…ma anche no, grazie!”#FCIM #IM2Stars pic.twitter.com/E3UHPuwQI7

— Milena (@love_nerazzurri) April 29, 2024

Inter winger Denzel Dumfries has apologised for an ‘error of judgment’ in holding up an insulting banner depicting Milan star Theo Hernandez. ‘It was not smart at all.’

It probably will not be enough to avoid a hefty fine and he could even receive a suspension for violating the code of conduct with the banner.

“Yesterday was the most beautiful day for me, all the players, and everyone at the club. Thank you so much to the fans who turned out in their thousands at the parade. It was a great feeling to celebrate with all of you, it meant so much to the team,” wrote Dumfries on Instagram.

“During the parade, I held up a banner that displayed an inappropriate image. I am a player who loves rivalry in football, it is a crucial part of any game. I realise that holding up the banner was an error of judgement on my part and not smart at all.

“Let’s move on to focusing on what has been the most amazing season for Inter Milan. Thank you once again for all your support this season, and for the celebrations yesterday, I will never forget them.”

Dumfries banner sparked controversy

During Sunday’s open top bus Scudetto celebration parade, Dumfries spotted a fan with a large banner that depicted himself holding a dog on a leash with the face of Milan full-back Theo Hernandez.

Dumfries waved to have it given to him and gleefully held it over his head, so cannot go with the defence Roma defender Gianluca Mancini had after the Derby della Capitale when claiming he had not seen the rat in Lazio colours on a flag he was handed by ultras.

Inter had for the most part been very careful to avoid falling into the trap of mocking their rivals and above all individual players, with the speaker during the Piazza Duomo stage of the celebration cutting short a chant about Theo Hernandez.

“We are here to celebrate ourselves, not talk about anyone else.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Denzel Justus Morris Dumfries (@ddumfries2)

Alessandro Bastoni replied to Davide Moscardelli during Inter‘s Scudetto celebrations in Piazza Duomo on Sunday as the ex-Italian striker said he had seen more Pisa fans celebrating a Serie B promotion in 2019.

Over 300,000 Inter fans celebrated the Nerazzurri’s 20th Serie A title during an open-top bus parade on Sunday, following a 2-0 win over Torino.

More than 10,000 waited to see the players in Piazza Duomo at night, and many Nerazzurri footballers gave speeches from the balcony, including Italy international Bastoni.

The central defender hit back at ex-Italian striker Moscardelli who had taunted Inter a few days earlier. Moscardelli said more Pisa fans had shown up to celebrate a Serie B promotion in 2019 than Inter supporters did for their latest Scudetto.

Bastoni hit back at the 44-year-old saying: “I just want to say that Moscardelli was wrong, you are the most beautiful in the world!”

Moscardelli started his professional career at Sangiovannese in 2002-03 but played in Serie A a few years later with Chievo and Bologna. Overall, he netted 12 goals in 91 appearances in Italy’s top flight, retiring in 2020.

Click here for the best pictures and videos from Inter’s title celebration

Bastoni con dedica a Moscardelli. pic.twitter.com/GAtoDKb9Vn

— Alessandro (@90ordnasselA) April 28, 2024

Marcus Thuram reflected on his debut season with Inter, the joy of winning the Scudetto and why he chose the number 9 shirt.

The 26-year-old French striker proved himself to be one of the best signings of last summer’s transfer window, playing a crucial role for the Nerazzurri as they charged to the Scudetto this term, earning the club their second Scudetto star.

Thuram quickly formed a formidable partnership with Lautaro Martinez and shined in Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 system, scoring 14 goals and providing 13 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.

Thuram on Scudetto pride

Speaking to Telefoot via Calciomercato.com, Thuram first discussed how it felt to win the Scudetto with Inter this season.

“It was fantastic, I feel great pride for the fans, for this shirt and for the history of the club. I’m super happy. The two stars symbolize the 20th title in Inter’s history, an immense pride.”

He was asked if he really started playing football as a defender.

“Yes, it’s true. When I was little, I was known by everyone, so it was easy to put me on the spot, then I clarified with Gilles and the coach by telling him that that wasn’t my role.”

Thuram commented on his change from a wing back to a striker.

“The pleasure in the game of football is touching the ball. Farke simply explained to me that for him I had the perfect qualities to play as a number 9.

“I let myself be convinced, then I also I spoke to my father, and he was also convinced of this, it’s as if a second career had begun, it’s all very electrifying.”

He explained why he chose the number 9 shirt.

“It was my choice, the number 9. Because I thought the time had come to embody what I wanted to represent. When I get to the locker room and see the number 9, I already know what I have to do.”

Finally, Thuram discussed how it feels to play at San Siro.

“When I arrived at Inter, the thing that amazed me was playing in a stadium with 75,000 fans, it’s something incredible.

“I always feel their push, in any action, feeling all this, after scoring goals I want to feel them even more strongly.”

Inter winger Juan Cuadrado infuriated Juventus fans by jumping to the beat of ‘Chi non salta è Bianconero’ on Sunday night.

Inter celebrated their 20th Serie A title with an open-top bus parade around Milan on Sunday after a 2-0 win over Torino.

Denzel Dumfries infuriated Milan fans by showing a banner depicting Theo Hernandez as a dog on a leash, while Cuadrado jumped when he heard Inter fans singing ‘Chi non salta è Bianconero’ which basically means ‘Who doesn’t jump supports Juventus,’

The Colombia international had already upset the Old Lady’s fans when he joined Inter on a free transfer last summer and was booed by the Allianz Stadium crowd when he returned to Turin for a Serie A match in November 2023.

This time, he was insulted by Juventus supporters on social media, especially on Instagram, where the experienced winger had posted a few pictures from Inter’s title celebrations.

Cuadrado spent eight seasons at Juventus, scoring 26 goals in 314 matches and winning five Serie A titles.

𝑪𝒉𝒊 𝒏𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒐 𝒆’
Cuadrado SCATENATO #Cuadrado #Inter #Interstellar #DAZN pic.twitter.com/1aaxnouXBJ

— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) April 28, 2024

The FIGC will open an investigation into Denzel Dumfries after the Inter defender grabbed a banner depicting Milan‘s Theo Hernandez as a dog on a leash and the Dutchman will be fined like other players in the past.

Inter players celebrated the 20th Serie A title in the club’s history on Sunday following a 2-0 win over Torino at the Stadio Meazza.

Over 300,000 Inter fans joined the celebrations throughout the day, and more than 10,000 waited for the team at Piazza Duomo at night.

There was controversy as well especially when Inter defender Dumfries showed a banner depicting Milan star Theo Hernandez as a dog on a leash.

Dumfries’ punishment after showing Theo ‘dog’ banner

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the FIGC will open an investigation, undoubtedly resulting in a fine for the Dutch full-back.

It is the same punishment received in similar incidents in the past. Theo, Mike Maignan, Rade Krunic and Sandro Tonali were fined in 2022 after showing an insulting banner against their city rivals Inter during the Rossoneri title celebrations.

More recently, Roma defender Mancini was ordered to pay €5,000 for waving a flag showing the Lazio colours and a rat after a victory in the derby della Capitale.

The only uncertain thing about Dumfries’ punishment is the amount of money he’ll have to pay which should be between €4,000 and €5,000.

Dumfries’ contract with Inter runs out in June 2025 and the club will soon sit down with the Dutch defender to discuss the terms of a new agreement. According to Gazzetta, the recent incident won’t affect negotiations between the two parties.

After a seven-hour journey through the city streets, Inter players and coach Simone Inzaghi spoke, shouted and sang from the terrace overlooking Piazza Duomo to celebrate their 20^th Scudetto.

The Nerazzurri started the trip from San Siro at circa 16.00 local time, following their 2-0 Serie A victory over Torino, and it was scheduled to take circa five hours.

There were so many fans lining the streets that the two open-top buses were only able to crawl along at a glacial pace, eventually making it to the meeting point in Piazza Duomo at 23.00 local time, where 100,000 supporters were waiting.

I SEE THE STARS COME OUT TONIGHT #ForzaInter #IM2Stars pic.twitter.com/g50R2lDzEQ

— Inter (@Inter) April 28, 2024

The players were all introduced individually from the balcony overlooking the iconic square, their words barely audible over the fireworks and screaming crowds.

There were a few special moments, notably Juan Cuadrado bouncing along to the classic ‘whoever doesn’t jump is a Bianconero’ chant, while Hakan Calhanoglu himself started the Milan version.

“I tried to give my contribution,” said Cuadrado.

Cuadrado che salta sulle note di chi non salta bianconero è. Sta succedendo di tutto pic.twitter.com/5cS1EssasJ

— FcInterNews.it (@FcInterNewsit) April 28, 2024

The most fired up figures throughout the parade were lifelong Inter supporter Federico Dimarco and midfielder Nicolò Barella.

LOUDER! #ForzaInter #IM2Stars pic.twitter.com/Bp5b52Lwz3

— Inter (@Inter_en) April 28, 2024

“I love you all, let’s do it again next year,” shouted Yann Bisseck from the balcony.

Davide Frattesi declared it “the best year of my life, we will continue knocking down walls with our heads. We won’t stop, because next year we want to win it all.”

Inter want to win it all

Lautaro Martinez received a huge cheer and will lift the Serie A trophy for the first time as captain.

“I have to thank you all, you were an extra player for us throughout every game. I thank my teammates, the directors and our families, who suffer along with us.

“Now is the moment to enjoy all of this. The moment to jump, to sing, nobody can stop us.”

Da quassù è tutto bellissimo #ForzaInter #IM2Stars pic.twitter.com/CebsRVokhB

— Inter (@Inter) April 28, 2024

Coach Inzaghi wins his first career Scudetto as a coach and has won over even those who were critical of him last season.

“Finally we are here to celebrate. Along with my thanks to these players, I think it is a just reward for all of you. Now embrace and celebrate, all together we sing that we are the champions of Italy.”

Notably, when some members of the crowd did try to spark anti-Milan or anti-Juventus chants aimed at Theo Hernandez or Rafael Leao, they were cut short quickly by the Inter speaker and the players themselves.

The only real sign of Inter players openly mocking rival players was Denzel Dumfries holding up the banner of himself with Theo Hernandez as a dog on a leash.

Inter director of sport Piero Ausilio confirms the arrival of Piotr Zielinski and Medhi Taremi, but ‘the plan is not to change this team too much.’

The Nerazzurri have been travelling through the packed city streets for over six hours now on an open-top bus, meaning the supporters waiting in Piazza Duomo have still not even glimpsed their heroes yet.

The directors were not on the buses and decided to wait for them at the iconic meeting point, but there are already fireworks and someone has even painted a cow blue and black.

All eyes are now on the future and Ausilio has already been hard at work with CEO Beppe Marotta, securing Piotr Zielinski from Napoli and Porto striker Medhi Taremi as free agents.

“I think this team showed its quality not just on the pitch, but also in its sense of belonging to the club,” Ausilio told Sky Sport Italia.

“We don’t want to damage this great unit, as when something works, you don’t want to risk making too many changes. We started this wonderful project three years ago with Simone Inzaghi, winning numerous trophies, being protagonists in the Champions League.

“We have brought in two players who are functional to the project and will raise the quality level of the team. Now we will take a moment to pause and reflect, to make sure we take the right decisions, don’t just buy players for the sake of it.”

Is it true that Inter can still balance the books even without selling any of the big names?

“As director of sport, I don’t want to change anything about this team. That is the plan, to not change too much.”

Inter did change last year

They did make changes last summer, bringing in 12 new players including Davide Frattesi, Yann Sommer, Benjamin Pavard and Marcus Thuram.

“Even those who did not play as much still showed their quality and that they had the characteristics we needed. I hope that next season they can be even bigger protagonists.

“With Thuram, he chose the project that we had already presented to him two years ago and that he remembered when signing for us.”

There are reports that Inter have already agreed terms with Brazil international goalkeeper Bento.

“We have Sommer and Emil Audero, so we’ll see what happens, but I would not rule out keeping Audero. We will evaluate all the opportunities in Europe and South America.”

There are also Inter-owned players who have impressed around Serie A so far this term and could return to base free of charge.

“I know you are thinking of Valentin Carboni, but I would add Gaetano Oristanio and Giovanni Fabbian,” concluded Ausilio.

{live, 22:30, Over 100,000 fans in Piazza Duomo}

L’Inter è arrivata in piazza Duomo, oltre centomila i tifosi ad attenderla.

@ivanfcardia pic.twitter.com/uMiFyJhmqj

— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) April 28, 2024

{live, 21:40, Acerbi grooving}

Baila como El Ace #ForzaInter #IM2Stars pic.twitter.com/lW0Hi9Kxc2

— Inter (@Inter) April 28, 2024

{live, 21:43, Watch the parade live}

They are very, very behind schedule!

{live, 21:42, Piazza Duomo}

La nostra Notte Stellata #ForzaInter #IM2Stars pic.twitter.com/VEQ0k1Ppog

— Inter (@Inter) April 28, 2024

{live, 17:57, Diplomatic Dumfries}

Trop ghetto.

Denzel Dumfries qui brandit un poster où il tient en laisse Theo Hernandez lors de la célébration du titre pour l’Inter Milan ! pic.twitter.com/PxeBGhC9X8

— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) April 28, 2024

{live, 17:56, I’ve seen that face before}

Vedo ovunque #ForzaInter #IM2Stars pic.twitter.com/xJHjBHH1kf

— Inter (@Inter) April 28, 2024

{live, 15:22, Watch the parade LIVE}

{live, 15:19, Inter open-top bus leaves San Siro}

#Inter – Il bus scoperto dei campioni d’Italia lascia San Siro: parte la parata scudetto dei nerazzurri per le vie di Milano, che si concluderà stasera in Piazza Duomo

@GiokerMusso pic.twitter.com/THgWbgI2ix

— calciomercato.it (@calciomercatoit) April 28, 2024

{live, 15:14, That’s not very nice}

‘Milanista cockroach’ that reads with Theo Hernandez in clown wig.

Striscione contro #Theo Hernandez da parte dei tifosi dell'#Inter

"Milanista scarafaggio": recita così lo striscione con Theo Hernandez travestito da clown pic.twitter.com/41O3fuT7on

— calciomercato.it (@calciomercatoit) April 28, 2024

{live, 15:12, Inter parade begins}

You can watch it LIVE.

{live, 15:07, Inter players at the ready}

Parade begins with bus leaving San Siro

Pronti per la ̶p̶a̶r̶t̶e̶n̶z̶a̶ festa
C'è sobrietà sul pullman dell'Inter #Inter #Interstellar #DAZN pic.twitter.com/p5aXk3dvP0

— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) April 28, 2024

{live, 14:37, Waiting for the parade}

#Inter – L’atmosfera a San Siro in attesa dell’uscita dei bus scoperti per la parata scudetto

@GiokerMusso pic.twitter.com/Sodrhgftlx

— calciomercato.it (@calciomercatoit) April 28, 2024

{live, 14:27, Inter flag}

Let's fly it together, #InterFans #ForzaInter #InterTorino pic.twitter.com/czcYvuyUO8

— Inter (@Inter_en) April 28, 2024

{live, 15:04, Players celebrate with Inzaghi}

pic.twitter.com/zFcgLjuH02

— Serie A Out of Context (@CalcioNoContext) April 28, 2024

{live, 14:38, The Inter party can start}

Let the party begin

Powered by Heinz #ForzaInter #InterTorino pic.twitter.com/MST0go9X7t

— Inter (@Inter_en) April 28, 2024

{live, 14:37, Match report!}

#Inter 2-0 #Torino :

Inter celebrated their Scudetto with yet another victory, though Hakan Calhanoglu only managed to break Torino with a brace after a controversial red card https://t.co/9MhDM31g0a#InterTorino #SerieA #Calcio #SerieATIM #FCIM

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) April 28, 2024

{live, 13:36, How Inter fans trolled Juventus…}

Inter fans trolled Juventus by unveiling a giant Scudetto with the number 14, which they had won by default in 2006 following the Calciopoli scandal. https://t.co/RPX18JOtEj #FCIM #Inter #Calcio #SerieA #Juve #Juventus

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) April 28, 2024

{live, 13:14, Inter tifo}

Today's tifo #ForzaInter #InterTorino pic.twitter.com/UBYlsyYbL4

— Inter (@Inter_en) April 28, 2024

DALE CAMPEÓN #ForzaInter #InterTorino pic.twitter.com/P1RD6QCP8H

— Inter (@Inter) April 28, 2024

{live, 13:14, Torino’s guard of honour}

@TorinoFC1906_En's guard of honour for the Champions of Italy @SerieA_EN @DAZN_IT #ForzaInter #InterTorino pic.twitter.com/avKLH37AZ6

— Inter (@Inter_en) April 28, 2024

{live, 12:25, Inter players on the pitch…}

Out they come @leovegas_news#ForzaInter #IM2Stars #InterTorino pic.twitter.com/X4UK4ZYFgx

— Inter (@Inter_en) April 28, 2024

{live, 11:54, Live warm up}

{live, 11:52, Inside Inter’s changing room}

pic.twitter.com/AqtrdYCaUO

— Inter (@Inter_en) April 28, 2024

{live, 11:50, Inter arrive at San Siro}

Iniziamo a colorare la città di #ForzaInter #IM2Stars #InterTorino pic.twitter.com/4MJw3Z59en

— Inter (@Inter) April 28, 2024

#ForzaInter #IM2Stars #InterTorino pic.twitter.com/JfRfOzpJRc

— Inter (@Inter) April 28, 2024

Watch the best pictures and videos from Inter’s special day, starting with a home Serie A match against Torino and continuing with an open-top bus parade around Milan.

On Monday, the Nerazzurri became Serie A champions for the 20th time after a 2-1 win over city rivals Milan.

Today, they return to the pitch against Torino. On Sunday morning, thousands of fans welcomed the team bus to the Stadio Meazza before the line-ups were announced.

Francesco Acerbi and Federico Dimarco are unavailable, but the rest of the starting XI features the best Inter players, including Hakan Calhanoglu, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez.

The captain will lift the trophy after the final home game of the season against Lazio.

Watch this space for the best pictures from Inter’s Scudetto celebrations.

Denzel Dumfries gleefully grabbed a banner from a fan and showed it off during Inter’s Scudetto celebrations, depicting Milan star Theo Hernandez as a dog on a leash.

The pair had an ugly clash during the Derby della Madonnina on Monday night, which saw both players sent off.

Dumfries was therefore suspended for today’s 2-0 win over Torino at San Siro, but joined his teammates for the open-top bus parade through the city streets.

He spotted a banner held aloft by fans and asked to have it handed to him, holding it gleefully over his head.

It depicted himself holding a dog by a leash that had the face of Theo Hernandez.

Dumfries had already hinted at this nickname, mentioning ‘the dog’ during their Scudetto celebration livestream on social media.

Trop ghetto.

Denzel Dumfries qui brandit un poster où il tient en laisse Theo Hernandez lors de la célébration du titre pour l’Inter Milan ! pic.twitter.com/PxeBGhC9X8

— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) April 28, 2024

#Dumfries punge Theo! pic.twitter.com/xjThHci3DS

— Gianmarco (@GianmarcoDaria) April 28, 2024

Simone Inzaghi’s assistant, Massimiliano Farris, says Inter ‘must enjoy’ the Scudetto and insists the team can further improve in the next few years.

Inzaghi didn’t talk to the media following Inter’s 2-0 win over Torino, which began an intense day of celebrations in Milan.

“Simone is our leader. He didn’t lose his voice or anything, he just wanted to put me in the first row because he said we staff members deserve recognition too,” Farris told DAZN.

“We’ve been working together for many years, and, as staff, we discuss and look for solutions. I think that what we achieved this season is the end of the cycle in terms of playing style because we believe this team can still get great satisfaction.”

Beppe Marotta confirmed before the game that the club is planning a long-term future with Inzaghi and that this year’s title is only the starting point for the Nerazzurri.

“Simone already said it in the previous interviews. We’ve been fighting for every target across the last three years. We have won cups, we reached a Champions League Final,” Farris continued.

“We are aware that in the first season, we missed something that we could have taken home [the Serie A title won by Milan]. Perhaps it was the price to pay, as staff members, when you get to a club like this, but I think this season’s achievements give value to all other trophies.

“Today’s atmosphere was incredible, so good. Ninety minutes and more of celebrations and it was fair to start those who have brought the team here. This doesn’t mean the others didn’t contribute. On the contrary, everyone was helpful, I should name them all. I wouldn’t even call them reserves.”

Will Inter try to reach the club’s point record in a season? It is currently set at 97 and was achieved by Roberto Mancini in the 2006-07 campaign.

“I think the team’s commitment is evident. We want to thank Torino for what they did [a guard of honour], which was not to be taken for granted, and it says everything about the sportsmanship and the maturity of the league. Congratulations to the referee as well because even if it was a joyful atmosphere, they made no errors.”

Inter-Torino made history as it was overseen by an all-female team, led by Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi.

Farris continued by discussing Inter’s strengths this season.

“We’ve tried to build a positive environment. We lost important players [last summer], but we welcomed important players who made themselves loved,” said Inzaghi’s assistant.

“Going to the pitch and working this season was a pleasure. We had a lot of fun and it’s the players’ merit.

“We are Inter, we have great value, and we couldn’t afford to lose games like we used to. He’s our leader, he kept a high bar in difficult moments. Today, we are repaid for everything, and we can enjoy more of what happened in the previous two years. In football, defeats remain inside more than victories, but now we must enjoy this moment.”

A brace from Hakan Calhanoglu inspired Inter’s win against Torino, and players will continue celebrating with the fans with an open-top bus parade around the city of Milan today. Click here for the best pictures and videos from today’s Scudetto celebrations.

Hakan Calhanoglu reveals what he told Lautaro Martinez about the penalty against Torino, assuring he would never disrespect Milan in Inter’s Scudetto celebration.

The Nerazzurri clinched the title on Monday evening in a 2-1 victory over rivals Milan, so there was a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere at San Siro today.

“My kids keep asking when they can get on the pitch and today was a wonderful day for me and them,” Calhanoglu told DAZN with his children by his side in Inter shirts with ‘Dad’ in Turkish on the back.

“I am happy, playing in a packed stadium, enjoying my football so much, it’s all to their credit.”

It was only after a contentious Adrien Tameze red card at the dawn of the second half that Inter really got going against Torino, winning with Calhanoglu bagging a brace.

How does the Turkey international manage to be so effective from the spot, converting 16 in a row?

“It’s concentration, always being focused, because I don’t want to make a mistake, I want to keep scoring and put the ball in the net. The secret is to work hard and believe.”

Calhanoglu seemed to go over and ask Lautaro Martinez if he wanted to take the penalty, which could’ve ended a goal drought since February.

“I wanted him to take it, because it will be a pleasure for me to see him as Capocannoniere, but he told me to take it. We are a great group on and off the field, we spend a lot of time together and enjoy ourselves.”

Calhanoglu won’t follow Milan example

The former Milan midfielder was famously mocked by his ex-teammates during the Scudetto celebrations and was offended by that lack of respect, when they put his shirt on a blow-up doll, so has assured that although he feels a sense of revenge, it will not be stooping to that same level.

“I already explained, this is a wonderful day and I don’t want to talk about the other side. I want to enjoy myself today.”

Will he stir up trouble on the open top bus?

“No, I don’t make trouble. With all due respect for others, that’s not what I do.”

Calhanoglu was asked what Inter represents for him.

“Inter for me represents everything. They raised my value, brought what I had inside out of me and I owe it all to them.”

13 – Hakan Çalhanoglu has scored 13 goals in the current league season, the last midfielder to score more goals for Inter in a single Serie A campaign was Lothar Matthäus (16 in 1990/91). Star.#InterTorino #SerieA pic.twitter.com/ifw8co2N75

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) April 28, 2024

Inter fans trolled Juventus by unveiling a giant Scudetto with the number 14, which they had won by default in 2006 following the Calciopoli Scandal.

Inter fans are celebrating their 20th Scudetto in a home Serie A match against Torino and mocked their arch-rivals Juventus before kick-off.

Ultras exposed a giant Scudetto at San Siro with the number 14 on it. It was a direct reference to the Serie A title they won in 2006, following the Calciopoli scandal.

Juventus finished first that season but were relegated to Serie B following a famous referee scandal. Milan had finished second but were also deducted points due to their involvement, so third-placed Inter became Serie A champions.

Milan ultras taunted their city rivals during last week’s derby della Madonnina saying Inter had only won 19 titles on the pitch. Ex-Inter President Massimo Moratti replied by saying that without wrong referees’ decisions, Inter would have won 25 Serie A titles already.

Today, Inter fans had their say as well, unveiling a giant Scudetto with the number 14 and a little one just below where they added +6 and the subsequent two stars, which stand for the 20th domestic title.

You can watch the best pictures and videos from Inter’s Scudetto party on the dedicated LIVEBLOG.

Simone Inzaghi burst out laughing after bowing to the pressure of his players to jump along with Inter fans at San Siro in the Scudetto party.

The Nerazzurri could let their hair down after winning the Serie A title on Monday and there was a party atmosphere for today’s match against Torino.

It even got to the usually stern coach on the touchline, as the fans sang Inzaghi’s name and then chanted ‘Mister Inzaghi, jump along with us.’

He tried waving thanks, but under intense pressure from the players on his bench – above all Federico Dimarco and Marko Arnautovic – Inzaghi finally let himself go with a little bounce.

The coach then burst out laughing at the loud cheer this elicited from the crowd.

Inzaghi lets his hair down

Simone Inzaghi joining in with the fans’ chant for him!

pic.twitter.com/VbCk6IlXhJ

— Inter Xtra (@Inter_Xtra) April 28, 2024

La panchina che dice ad Inzaghi di saltare sul coro della Nord pic.twitter.com/yb9halZzfa

— Alessandro (@90ordnasselA) April 28, 2024

E alla fine Simone Inzaghi, invitato da tutto San Siro, salta con i tifosi e se la ride di gusto 2⃣0⃣ pic.twitter.com/zNQobUopaf

— Daniele Mari (@marifcinter) April 28, 2024

Inter director Beppe Marotta insists the Nerazzurri want to continue with Simone Inzaghi and announces a ‘creative’ summer transfer campaign for the Serie A champions.

The Nerazzurri return to the pitch on Sunday in a Serie A match against Torino. It’s their first game as Scudetto champions in 2023-24.

“It’s a great satisfaction, the best part of the party has yet to come,” Marotta told DAZN before kick-off, as quoted by FCInternews.

Inter players will celebrate with the fans in an open-top bus parade after the match, but Marotta won’t join the footballers.

“No, I won’t. The protagonists are the players, the staff members and the coach; I’ll be waiting for them in Piazza Duomo,” said the club CEO.

Inter lost the Champions League Final against Manchester City last season, but Marotta feels the disappointment helped the Nerazzurri build their title-winning campaign.

“The group has improved, and we’ve gained experience, determination, and courage through defeats,” he said.

“These are important prerogatives for achieving extraordinary results.”

How has Marotta changed since the start of his career?

“It is different when you manage a top team. There is pressure; you must make decisions and be responsible. You also need courage to make decisions despite criticism.

Marotta on Inzaghi’s future

“Today, we are free; I’ve told Inzaghi to enjoy this warm-up,” he continued.

“We don’t want to miss a second of happiness today.”

There are rumours the Nerazzurri will offer their coach a new two-year deal.

“He has passed the exam and the winning cycle has already started with him,” Marotta confirmed.

“He has proved to be a good and winning coach. We want to continue with him, we are not even halfway on this path.”

Marotta on Inter’s ‘creative’ transfer campaign

How about Inter’s new signing and Lautaro Martinez’s contract extension?

“There will be so many games and competitions [next season], including the Club World Cup,” said Marotta.

“The team must be strengthened and we must come to terms with sustainability. It will be a creative transfer campaign.”

Inter will play Torino at San Siro today, receive their medals and Serie A trophy, then go on an open-top bus parade throughout the city in an all-day Scudetto celebration.

The Nerazzurri were mathematically crowned the new Champions of Italy on Monday evening when beating second-placed Milan 2-1.

Their Serie A Week 34 match with Torino was moved to the Sunday 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT) kick-off precisely so that it can be the aperitif to the Scudetto party.

The trophy will be lifted in May, after the last home game for the Nerazzurri against Lazio.

Inter parade through city streets

There are two open-top buses at the ready to begin the slow parade through the city streets at circa 15.00 UK time, which is expected to cover 8km in circa five hours.

This culminates with the arrival in Piazza Duomo at roughly 20.00 UK time, followed by the players leaning over the fans at the Terrazza 21 venue.

Sunday 28 April after #InterTorino the team will cross the city aboard a celebratory bus

The schedule

— Inter (@Inter_en) April 27, 2024

A DAZN video shows a heated confrontation between Lautaro Martinez and Yacine Adli during the latest derby della Madonnina, which ended with a sarcastic question from the Argentine striker: ‘Who the f…are you?’

Tension erupted during Monday’s derby between Inter and Milan, leading to red cards for Theo Hernandez, Denzel Dumfries and Yacine Adli. There were more incidents and confrontations at the Stadio Meazza and one of those involved Adli, Nicolò Barella and Lautaro Martinez.

The Milan midfielder accused Barella of diving, causing a massive clash between several players. Henrikh Mkhitaryan arrived to defend his teammate, followed by Lautaro.

El Toro and Adli argued while their teammates tried to drag them apart. Lautaro was held by Rafael Leao while he urged Adli to shut up with unmistakable gestures.

The Nerazzurri captain did even more and, at some point, he asked the French midfielder in Italian: ‘Who the f… are you?’

Inter eventually secured a 2-1 victory and put their hands on their 20th Scudetto.

Adli su Barella = marcatura aggressiva!
Poi partono le scintille

Guarda #Bordocam di #MilanInter su #DAZN pic.twitter.com/rfmguc3q8x

— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) April 25, 2024

Inter won the Serie A title despite a lack of significant investments last summer and, moreover, Simone Inzaghi has been using resources wisely, including former Manchester United men Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Matteo Darmian.

It would be wrong to say Inter were not the favourite to win the title at the start of the season. Even if Napoli had dominated the previous campaign, winning the first Serie A title in 33 years, summer recruitments, including coach Rudi Garcia, raised eyebrows. At the same time, Milan had changed the team massively while Juventus only signed Timothy Weah, and despite the lack of European competitions, it was clear they didn’t have the same quality as the Nerazzurri.

Nevertheless, Inter were also pretty busy last summer, when they changed almost half of the team. Furthermore, winning a title, especially in Italy, is never an easy achievement, so Inter’s Scudetto should not be taken for granted.

We’ve already discussed Simone Inzaghi’s impact and the impressive performances of Inter stars in 2023-24, but what hasn’t been discussed enough is the work of directors Beppe Marotta, Piero Ausilio, and Dario Baccin.

Forced to operate with a reduced transfer budget, Marotta has led the group of directors smartly and made the right moves at the right time. Romelu Lukaku was among the players leaving the Stadio Meazza last summer, but the Nerazzurri CEO didn’t panic. Inter signed Marcus Thuram on a free transfer, and the Frenchman, who was in talks with Milan, quickly became a starter. The Frenchman scored back-to-back goals in the Milan derby, including the decisive strike for Inter’s 20th title on Monday.

Benjamin Pavard was the most expensive purchase for Inter last summer as the France international moved to the Meazza for €30m from Bayern Munich. Davide Frattesi joined from Sassuolo on a €5m loan with an obligation to buy, Yann Sommer replaced André Onana for just €6.5m, while the Cameroon international moved to Manchester United for €50m.

How much Inter spent in 2023-24

As reported by Transfermarkt, Inter spent €70.7m for new signings and earned almost €130m from player sales. The Onana deal with United was particularly impressive as the Cameroon international joined the Red Devils for €50m after just one season at the Meazza. He had signed for the Nerazzurri a season earlier on a free transfer from Ajax.

The Red Devils have been among the biggest spenders in Europe over the last few years, but results have not matched their investments. Inter, on the contrary, have won six trophies in three seasons under Inzaghi despite a low transfer budget and the need to sell some of their best players to balance the books. Luckily for their fans, this is something they will not be forced to repeat in the summer.

Inter’s Serie A title is a lesson for Man United and the Premier League

The lesson for Man United is even more significant if you think about two of Inter’s best players this season: Mkhitaryan and Darmian. Many thought Mkhi would have become a benchwarmer after Frattesi’s signing, but the ex-Armenian midfielder has started nearly every Serie A match, contributing to 12 goals and deserving a one-year contract extension.

Darmian has played as a centre-back and as a right wing-back, and his performances at the Stadio Meazza will help him earn a spot in the Italy squad for Euro 2024. Undoubtedly, competition in the Premier League is higher than in Serie A, especially for a top-four spot, but Marotta’s philosophy, first at Juventus and now at Inter, has proved to be a winning combination of competitiveness and sustainability.

As the Italian director said before last season’s Champions League Final against Manchester City: “If we consider the money spent by Manchester City to put this team together, then on paper they are like a tank. But in sport it is not true that the team that spends the most will always win, so we want to give our best with our own strengths, such as ideas, technique, tactics and a great sense of belonging.” That’s why Inter’s Serie A title is a lesson for Manchester United and other Premier League clubs, especially in a season where English football has Aston Villa as its only representative in the semifinals of European club competitions.

Alessandro Bastoni admits Inter players feared the team was weaker at the beginning of the season, but new signings have been excellent and Italy players have ‘made a difference’ in the Nerazzurri’s Serie A title victory.

Bastoni released an interview with Il Giornale the day after Inter’s Serie A title win.

The Italy international was a key player for Simone Inzaghi this season, but his compatriots were also crucial in the Nerazzurri’s title-winning campaign.

“I’ve always said we have a strong Azzurri base in the team,” said the 25-year-old, as quoted by fcinter1908.it.

“It’s important because it makes a difference in Serie A. You must know the league you play in and have a DNA that matches the league.”

Inzaghi said on Monday night that none of his players had complained in the morning when they trained at the Pinetina before the derby.

“The morning before the game, we spent an hour in the rain to practice set pieces,” Bastoni confirmed.

“This mirrors our season. Attention to detail and take nothing for granted. We’ve learned so much from the errors we made in the past and we didn’t want to repeat them. This was our strength.”

The Inter squad deeply changed last summer, with players like André Onana, Milan Skriniar, Marcelo Brozovic and Romelu Lukaku leaving. Did Bastoni fear Inter had weakened?

“Yes, 12 players had left and we feared we had weakened because we didn’t know the new players well,” the Italy international admitted.

“On the contrary, new players didn’t only have talent but also a great desire to settle in well. We were sure about the talent, but you never know about the human aspect. I can now say that they are all fantastic guys, on and off the pitch. There is incredible sync between new and old players.”

Three Inter players set to shine for Italy and more at Euro 2024

Was winning the 20th Scudetto in the derby against Milan an even bigger satisfaction?

“Of course, it was. The club, we players and moreover, the fans wanted it,” said Bastoni.

“The fans were extraordinary and always supported us. We won the sixth consecutive derby. It’s a page that will forever be in Inter’s history books.

“To win with Inter means so much. We’ve made many sacrifices over the last few years, and there have also been disappointments,” continued the Nerazzurri defender.

“Now, I look at these people in the face, and I feel they are my second family. I’d throw myself into the fire for this family.”

Bastoni has made 34 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists.

Inter star Hakan Calhanoglu admits he ‘can’t forget’ what Milan fans did when he joined the Nerazzurri and insists the Serie A title is a ‘revenge’ he deserved to take.

The Turkey international released an interview with Il Giornale following Inter’s Serie A title victory on Monday.

The Nerazzurri clinched their 20th Scudetto after a 2-1 win over city rivals Milan, Calhanoglu’s former club.

“I am happy and proud to have reached this extraordinary target,” the Turkey international told Il Giornale, as quoted by fcinter1908.it. 

“We strongly wanted the second star, and we deserved this achievement for the amazing work we did together. I’ve rewatched videos of celebrations with the fans and I still can’t believe it. It’s such a big joy that it can’t be described.”

Calhanoglu responded to abuse from Milan fans on Instagram minutes after Inter’s double victory on Monday.

The experienced midfielder has been insulted by his former fans since joining the Nerazzurri on a free transfer in 2021.

“I’ve always worked in silence and suffered too,” he said.

“My only target at Inter was to give my best and win with this extraordinary team. Yesterday’s win was a great revenge for me.

Calhanoglu ‘can’t forget what Milan fans did’

“It was revenge because of the suffering I endured when I arrived and we lost [the Serie A title]. I can’t forget what Milan fans did to my family and me, but I knew in my heart that everything would have finished well,” he continued.

“To win the title in the derby was the biggest satisfaction. It was all written. God wanted it because he knew I deserved it.”

Calhanoglu has scored 25 goals in 132 appearances with Inter and the Scudetto is his sixth trophy at the club after two Coppa Italia and three Supercoppa Italiana. He has inspired this season’s title victory with 11 goals and three assists in 29 Serie A appearances.

The Turkey international’s contract at the Stadio Meazza runs out in June 2027.