Inter crowned Serie A champions for the 21st time after beating Parma 2‑0 on Sunday, stage 35
AFP highlights the key figures behind Inter’s 21st Scudetto, a season that turned into a comfortable march to the title after a complicated start under Romanian coach Christian Chivu.
Lautaro Martínez: heart of the attack
Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez reached 16 goals in the league, topping the Serie A scoring charts despite a series of minor injuries. He maintained a rate of roughly one goal every two games — including in the Champions League — before a shocking elimination in the Round of 16 playoff at the hands of Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt.
Lautaro also battled calf issues this season, following two grueling years in which he evolved from a prolific marksman into a leader and icon at the club. The 28‑year‑old surpassed San Siro legends Sandro Mazzola and Roberto Boninsegna, now standing as Inter’s third‑all‑time top scorer with 173 goals, though still far behind Giuseppe Meazza’s record of 284.
Marcus Thuram: rediscovering his spark
Marcus Thuram, alongside Lautaro up front, endured a roller‑coaster campaign, interrupted by an injury in October and long stretches where his level dropped sharply.
However, a US‑based move over March with France’s national team and a crucial strike against Colombia helped reignite his form. Back in Italy, he scored six goals in five matches (13 overall), including the title‑clinching goal against Parma on Sunday, and looks set to surpass his previous personal best of 14 league goals.
Federico Dimarco: the offensive full‑back
Despite questions about his defensive reliability against top European sides, Dimarco’s attacking contribution was undeniable.
The 28‑year‑old hit 6 goals in the league, his best tally in a single season, but the standout statistic was 17 assists from his wing‑back role — a new Serie A record for a defender. Moreover, he became the first player since 2004–05 records began to contribute to more than 20 goals (goals plus assists) in a campaign.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu: midfield maestro
Hakan Çalhanoğlu remains one of Inter’s most influential players, directing the tempo as playmaker whenever fit. Recurring minor injuries kept him out of several matches, but his 9 goals and 4 assists in 22 appearances underline his immense value.
Inter is actively seeking to extend the 32‑year‑old’s contract, which expires at the end of next season, despite interest from Galatasaray since last summer. Çalhanoğlu is among the key figures Inter want to retain in the expected squad rebuild this summer.
Pio Esposito: a young foil
Graduate Pio Esposito from Inter’s academy is known outside Italy mainly for the missed penalty over the crossbar in Italy’s recent World Cup qualifying collapse.
Yet his presence in the national team reflects the promising performances he put in during his first campaign with Inter’s senior side, stepping in for Martínez and Marcus Thuram.
His 6 goals in 33 matches may seem modest at first glance, but that translates to roughly 15 full‑game dividends, underlining his efficiency. Alongside French forward Ange‑Youna Dounia, he supplied the young‑gun support Inter sorely lacked last season, when an aging squad ran out of steam in the final weeks.
