Inter remains the favorite for the Scudetto, but a deep restructuring is needed. Allegri at Milan doesn’t have a championship-caliber squad, but knows how to elevate his players.
1. Did the derby result truly reopen the championship race?
Yes. Or rather, it exposed Inter to a danger they didn’t think they could face. With a 7-point margin, they remain the clear favorites, but the derby was their last chance to deliver a memorable victory. Two defeats to Milan, a single point against Napoli, and a single win against Juventus – which did yield three precious points, but offered no boost to technical confidence – Inter knows they are winning the title thanks to the extraordinary – and consistent – efficiency against weaker teams. That’s not a particularly inspiring narrative for a team of champions.
2. But if they are champions, why do they struggle against strong opponents?
Since, at the highest level, this Inter peaked ten months ago, the night of the return leg against Barcelona: a legendary performance from a fading group, unique in its ability – orchestrated by Marotta and Ausilio – to regenerate for years by monetizing champions (Hakimi), excellent players (Lukaku), and fleeting talents (Onana), replacing them on par (Dumfries and Thuram) or even better (Sommer, until this year). Benefiting from the growth of the core group Lautaro-Barella-Bastoni-Dimarco and adding figures previously devalued like Calhanoglu, and Mkhitaryan.
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3. Why would this group be finished?
To reiterate: We see finished at the highest levels, namely two Champions League finals. It should still be enough for the Scudetto this year, but it will be an extreme fruit to celebrate without being misled. A deep restructuring is needed, giving space to Pio Esposito, letting go of some over-30s, and accepting that not every signing has been successful: more was expected overall from Frattesi, Luis Henrique was overpaid, and Diouf remains a mystery.
4. Did Chivu make some mistakes?
like everyone. The number of injuries only partially explains the loss of intensity in the last month, including the loss to Bodo, the Coppa Italia match against Como, and the derby. Inter lost aggressiveness and swagger. They got bogged down in the Bastoni situation, and complaints about a lack of recognition (but what recognition?) are not in line with Inter’s character. However, his confirmation is not in question. Rather, the ownership should approve an expansive market policy: you can’t discover a gem at a low cost every year.
5. But did Allegri win the derby?
It’s clear that Allegri – an imperfect man in the most human and supportive sense – knows how to speak to his players like few others. The choice of Estupinan may seem lucky, but it stems from a deep reading of the player’s moment and a fortunate inspiration in evaluating him. Then, a touch of daring is part of the man, and that’s fortunate for him and Milan.
6. Does he have a squad capable of winning the Scudetto?
No. He has a seasoned superstar, Modric, two champions in their prime, Maignan and Rabiot, and around them a cast of great players that Allegri transforms into a unit (the least-conceded defense), reliable role players like Saelemaekers and Fofana, the ailing Pulisic, and the surprise Bartesaghi. And then there’s Leao, from whom it’s wise not to expect anything, but who might just produce the winning play.
7. How can Milan improve?
With a top-class striker. And then by organizing things to allow Modric, next season, to have quality playing time.
8. Is a Champions League spot the only realistic goal for this season?
Never set limits, but Inter would have to collapse. Milan has 30 points available and at least three difficult matches (Napoli, Juventus, Atalanta). If they take 26, they’ll finish on 86 points without regrets.
