Simone Inzaghi, the quiet leader who won without the trophy

Libero praises Inzaghi’s composure amid exit rumors and highlights his evolution from a young coach to a mature manager after Inter Milan’s heavy loss in the final

“José Mourinho had already decided to leave Inter Milan after the final in Madrid. Inzaghi hadn’t made any decision at all. Mourinho took time for himself. Inzaghi gave all of it to Inter Milan.”

With these opening words, Italian newspaper Libero via Fcinter1908.it draws a sharp contrast between two key Inter Milan coaches in the club's history, following the heavy 5–0 loss in the final. 

The article focuses not on the defeat, but on Simone Inzaghi’s remarkable attitude and leadership throughout weeks of speculation about his future.

“They tried in every way to poison his long wait before the final, but he didn’t fall for it,” Libero writes. “He always responded kindly and transparently, saying he would speak with the club in the coming days.”

The article highlights the difficulty of maintaining composure ahead of such a decisive match, noting: “It’s not easy to stay clear-headed before a game that defines your entire season. And it’s in this ability to remain zen that Inzaghi’s greatness is revealed.”

Despite the crushing defeat, Libero insists the result won’t change much in terms of how the coach is viewed: “He didn’t win the final, and for most fans and the club, that changes nothing. 

Inzaghi doesn’t need this victory to be recognized. He reached two Champions League finals without even having the weapons of teams that didn’t get that far.”

Inzaghi deserves to set the terms at Inter Milan for the first time

The article underscores his transformation: “He has undergone a complete evolution, from young coach to seasoned manager. Now, for the first time, he will be in a position to impose conditions on Inter Milan.”

And rightly so, Libero argues, because “He’s no longer a coach who’s beneath the club’s legacy. He’ll ask for investments he deserves. Not for himself—he never cared much about salary. 

This defeat could serve as extra motivation to start again.”

There’s also speculation about his future. While a move abroad could open him to criticism, Libero suggests he might stay for revenge: “With Conte at Napoli and Allegri at Milan, there’s a perfect opportunity for payback. 

There’s real competition for him now. But if he decides to go to Saudi Arabia or the Premier League, then criticism will be fair and the club’s attitude will change.”

Marotta, Inter Milan’s CEO, has said he’s ready to support the coach. “If the manager’s level has risen, so must the squad’s,” concludes Libero. “Inzaghi brought Inter Milan to the doorstep of Champions League glory. Now it’s Inter Milan’s turn to take Inzaghi all the way.”