How Inter Milan achieved the first and only Italian treble in football history
In short: In the 2009–10 season, Inter Milan accomplished the greatest campaign in their history. Under manager José Mourinho, the club secured a historic treble, winning Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League. It remains the only time an Italian club has ever achieved this prestigious three-trophy feat.
The 2009–10 season marked Inter Milan's 101st year of existence and their 94th consecutive season in Italy's top flight. This campaign served as the second and final year for manager José Mourinho before his departure to Real Madrid. The squad underwent significant changes, most notably an exchange with Barcelona that saw Zlatan Ibrahimović and Samuel Eto'o swap clubs. Other key additions included Diego Milito and Thiago Motta from Genoa, centre-back Lúcio, and playmaker Wesley Sneijder.
Inter's path to glory was far from easy. Their Champions League journey began in a challenging group alongside Barcelona, Dynamo Kyiv, and Rubin Kazan. After finishing second in the group, they navigated a difficult knockout phase, defeating Chelsea—Mourinho's former club—and CSKA Moscow. In the semi-finals, they faced Barcelona again, securing a 3–1 victory in the first leg before holding on in the second leg despite being reduced to ten men after a red card for Thiago Motta. This victory propelled Inter to their first UEFA final in twelve years.
The season culminated in a dominant display of form. Diego Milito proved instrumental, scoring the goals that secured both the Coppa Italia and the Serie A title, keeping Roma at bay. In the Champions League final, Milito was named Man of the Match, scoring both goals in a 2–0 victory over Bayern Munich. This win marked Inter's first Champions League title since 1965 and their third overall. By completing this treble, Inter cemented their status as the sixth European club to achieve the feat and the first and only Italian side to do so to date.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2009–10 Inter Milan season
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