Inter Milan's 2025–26 campaign: A high-stakes pursuit of domestic glory and European redemption
In short: The 118th season of Inter Milan saw a whirlwind of roster changes, tactical shifts, and intense competition across four major tournaments. From a commanding opening victory to a nail-biting title race, the Nerazzurri navigated a challenging schedule, balancing Serie A supremacy with the unpredictability of the UEFA Champions League.
The 2025–26 season marked a significant transition for Inter Milan. Following the conclusion of the previous campaign, the club overhauled its squad, parting ways with striker Marko Arnautović and bringing in fresh talent, including Croatian midfielder Petar Sučić and French striker Ange-Yoan Bonny, the latter signed for a reported €23 million. The defensive line also saw movement, with Swiss centre-back Manuel Akanji arriving on loan while Benjamin Pavard departed for Marseille. These adjustments were part of a broader financial strategy that saw the club record a total expenditure of €58.8 million against €49.0 million in income, excluding undisclosed figures.
Domestically, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience. After a rocky start that left them 11th in the league following a dramatic 3–2 loss to Juventus in September, Inter steadily climbed the table. By the end of 2025, they sat atop Serie A with 36 points. Their consistency was tested by rivals like AC Milan and Napoli, yet they maintained a lead throughout early 2026, bolstered by key performances from Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. However, the Supercoppa Italiana proved a disappointment, as the team was eliminated in the semi-finals by Bologna after a penalty shootout.
In Europe, the Champions League campaign provided a rollercoaster of emotions. Inter enjoyed a strong start, including a 3–0 victory over Slavia Prague and a 4–0 win against Union Saint-Gilloise. Despite these successes, late-stage defeats to Atlético Madrid, Liverpool, and Arsenal complicated their standing. By the end of January 2026, a victory against Borussia Dortmund was insufficient to secure automatic qualification for the knockout phase, forcing the club into a two-legged playoff. This season highlighted both the immense potential of the squad and the fine margins that define elite European football.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2025–26 Inter Milan season
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