Simone Inzaghi Parts Ways with Inter Milan Following Champions League Humiliation

Simone Inzaghi’s time at Inter Milan has officially come to an end. Following the club’s harrowing 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final, Inter announced that Inzaghi would be stepping down as head coach. The decision, made by mutual consent, closes a four-year chapter filled with both silverware and heartbreak. As the football world reels from Inter’s stunning collapse in Europe’s biggest game, questions swirl about the club’s next steps and Inzaghi’s future, which appears to be heading towards the Middle East.

A Trophy-Laden Yet Tumultuous Era Ends

Inzaghi, who took over in 2021 after Antonio Conte’s departure, had one year left on his contract. His time at the helm yielded one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies, and three Supercoppa Italiana wins. Despite this success, his tenure ends under the cloud of a season that promised so much but ultimately delivered disappointment.

The Champions League final was the tipping point. Inter were completely outclassed by PSG, with the 5-0 thrashing leaving fans and officials stunned. It was Inzaghi’s second consecutive defeat in a Champions League final, having also lost to Manchester City in 2023.

Emotional Farewell from the Coach

Inzaghi addressed the fans in a heartfelt letter posted on Inter’s official website, confirming his exit. “The time has come for me to say goodbye to this club after a four-year journey, during which I gave everything,” he wrote. “I want to dedicate one last word to the millions of fans who cheered me on, cried and suffered in difficult moments and laughed and celebrated in the six triumphs we experienced together. I will never forget you.”

Saudi Temptation Beckons

Reports suggest Inzaghi is now the top target for Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal. The Riyadh-based club is believed to have offered a staggering deal worth over €20 million per season ($22.74 million). Talks are progressing swiftly, with expectations that Inzaghi will take charge in time for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States.

Al Hilal begin their tournament campaign against Real Madrid on June 18, a day after Inter face Monterrey. If confirmed, Inzaghi’s move would mark yet another high-profile managerial signing by a Saudi Pro League side seeking global relevance.

Uncertain Future at the Giuseppe Meazza

Inter’s immediate challenge lies in appointing a successor. With the Club World Cup just days away, the club’s leadership must act swiftly. Speculation is rife that Cesc Fàbregas, fresh from guiding Como to a mid-table finish in their first Serie A season back, could be a candidate. Though relatively inexperienced at the top level, his tactical promise and understanding of modern football make him an intriguing option.

President Giuseppe Marotta acknowledged the coach’s contributions and confirmed the decision was mutual. “I would like to thank Simone Inzaghi for the work done, for the passion shown and also for the sincerity in today’s discussion, which led to the common decision to separate our paths,” Marotta said.

A Season of Collapse

Inter’s campaign started brightly, with hopes of a treble growing until April. They suffered a key setback in the Coppa Italia semifinals, losing to bitter rivals AC Milan. Earlier in the year, another defeat to Milan in the Italian Super Cup final added to the woes. By the season’s end, Inter had finished second in Serie A, narrowly edged out by Napoli by a single point, and ended the year trophyless—a rarity given their recent domestic dominance.

Inzaghi’s departure is part of a broader managerial shake-up sweeping through Italy. Serie A giants such as Milan, Roma, and Atalanta are all undergoing transitions, highlighting a summer of change at the top.

Read More: Bruno Fernandes Turns Down Al-Hilal Mega Offer to Pursue Glory with Manchester United

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