Inter Milan`s participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup concluded early. Despite the disappointment of their 2-0 defeat against Fluminense in the round of 16, this elimination provides the Italian giants with a much-needed break following an exceptionally long 2024-25 season. The closing weeks of this challenging season were filled with setbacks. It feels like a long time since Inter achieved an impressive 4-3 aggregate victory over Barcelona in the Champions League semifinal second leg. Since that high point, the Nerazzurri lost the 2024-25 Serie A title to Napoli, who secured their 4th Scudetto, suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against PSG in the UEFA Champions League final, and experienced a change in leadership. After four years, former head coach Simone Inzaghi and the club mutually agreed to part ways, leading to the appointment of 2010 Champions League winner and club icon, Cristian Chivu.
The decision to hire Chivu was unexpected and met with some doubts. However, Inter was looking for a young coach capable of developing their emerging talents, particularly one with previous experience in the club`s youth setup, as Chivu had coached their academy teams from 2018 to 2024. His senior coaching record prior to this role was limited to just 13 Serie A matches at Parma, where he registered three wins, seven draws, and three defeats. It is clear that Inter took a risk by appointing Chivu, but they prioritized a manager who could nurture young players, especially considering their recent acquisitions. The club signed new prospects such as Croatian midfielder Petar Sucic, Brazilian winger Luis Henrique, and French striker Ange-Yoan Bonny, the latter from Parma. Additionally, Inter welcomed back players from loan spells, including Italian wonderkid Francesco Pio Esposito, who had already showcased his potential in the World Cup and scored the decisive goal against River Plate in the final group stage match.
Some players are definitely expected to leave Inter this summer, with rumors of midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu`s potential transfer to Galatasaray gaining momentum daily. As the Italian club embarks on this new chapter under Chivu, a period of rest is crucial. The four matches played in the Club World Cup clearly demonstrated the team`s mental fatigue. The disappointments in the Champions League and Serie A took a significant toll, and the Club World Cup performances highlighted the squad`s need for time off to reset and begin the new season with fresh ideas, potential new additions, and the new manager`s tactical approach.
While participating in the World Cup allowed the team to start working with the new coaching staff, captain Lautaro Martinez`s comments to DAZN after the defeat to Fluminense indicate that significant changes are required this summer. He stated, “The message must be clear, those who want to stay should stay, those who don`t want to stay should leave. I want to fight for important goals. This is an important jersey, and that must be the message.” These remarks appear to be directed not just towards the public but also towards the players within the dressing room.
This season concluded on a difficult note for both the team and its supporters. It remains uncertain what impact the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign will have on the upcoming 2025-26 season. The players are in desperate need of rest, but Lautaro`s statement serves as a clear challenge to any teammates who might be considering a change after several years at the club. Whoever returns after the break must work even harder to transform a disappointing season into a new era of success for Inter because the events of the past few weeks will undoubtedly be challenging for the entire club environment to overcome.
