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<p>Derby D'Italia</p>
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alt="Inside Inter Milan's new era and transfer plan after Inzaghi's departure"
src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/inter-spot-1757674513-177473.png"
title="Inside Inter Milan's new era and transfer plan after Inzaghi's departure" />
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The sting of the Champions League final loss is gradually fading for Inter Milan supporters, as the club turns its focus towards new chapters. Their 5-0 defeat to PSG laid bare the significant weaknesses within Inter's squad, dominated by an aging roster facing off against a vibrant and youthful Parisian side.
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<p>Club Comparison</p>
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<p>€582.70m</p>
<p>Market Value</p>
<p>€707.80m</p>
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<p>First Tier</p>
<p>League Level</p>
<p>First Tier</p>
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<p>€137.30m</p>
<p>Expenditures 25/26</p>
<p>€92.70m</p>
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<p>Igor Tudor</p>
<p>Managers</p>
<p>Cristian Chivu</p>
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<p><span>Full Club Comparison</span></p>
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The average age of Inter's squad stood at 30.3, five years older than PSG, underscoring the need for transformation at the Italian club and marking the conclusion of an era. Simone Inzaghi experienced significant success, especially given the limited financial resources compared to Europe’s elite, but he has since moved on to Saudi Arabia, leaving Cristian Chivu at the helm. As they prepare for the Derby d'Italia against Juventus, we delve into Inter's new chapter with insights from Italian football experts.
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<h2>Inter Milan's Remarkable Success Amid Budget Constraints</h2>
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It's vital to recognize Inzaghi’s impressive achievements with Inter, separate from the painful defeat in the Champions League final. One match doesn't encapsulate his four-year legacy; he holds the best points-per-game record (2.14) of any long-serving Inter manager and led the team to a Serie A title along with two domestic cups and appearances in back-to-back Champions League finals despite significant financial limitations.
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Inter's financial troubles are well-documented, peaking in 2021 with a record loss of €246m for an Italian club. The U.S.-based investment firm Oaktree Capital Management stepped in to assist the club financially following the debt crisis, leading to full ownership being assumed in 2024. Throughout Inzaghi's tenure, financial constraints limited the team's spending to the fifth-lowest among European giants, yet they still managed to reach two Champions League finals.
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Inter struggled with acquiring high-profile signings, often relying on seasoned players and the free-agent market. Serie A expert Jatin Dietl notes, “In recent years, the focus has been on signing affordable top players to maintain competitiveness despite budget disparities with other elite clubs. For a club like Inter, where fans expect annual titles, long-term rebuilding is challenging. However, bringing in experienced players like Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Francesco Acerbi, Benjamin Pavard, and Yann Sommer proved to be a successful strategy, culminating in two Champions League finals in three years.”
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<h2>Inter Milan's New Strategy in the Transfer Market</h2>
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<p>Inter's spending patterns have remained steady throughout the last five seasons, maintaining expenditures below €100m on new signings. This summer, they spent €89m—more than in any of the previous four years under Inzaghi—marking a strategic shift towards acquiring younger talent. All five of Inter’s permanent signings were 23 or younger, with only Manuel Akanji arriving as a seasoned player on loan from Manchester City.</p>
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Dietl explains: “With new ownership, the priorities have shifted towards investing in players whose market value can grow over time. Recent successes have paved the way for this change. This investment strategy only became achievable thanks to a solid squad and increased revenues from prize money and sponsorships. For years, Inter spent little on transfers, focusing instead on contract renewals. However, this year’s record revenue and financial surplus have made it possible to transition without losing competitiveness.”
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The upcoming season will test whether Chivu can match Inzaghi's accomplishments, especially in Serie A, where competition is fierce. Interestingly, Chivu’s debut featured just one new signing, Petar Sučić, in their recent 2-1 loss to Udinese, with the starting eleven still averaging an age of 29.2—barely different from their Champions League final squad. However, several youngsters are poised to become regular starters as they settle in. Time will tell if Inter's strategic shift will yield success in their future endeavors.
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