Inter Milan refocus on Serie A after Champions disappointment

Genoa test at San Siro marks first step toward Scudetto goal

With the Champions League disappointment archived, Inter Milan now turn fully toward Serie A and the primary objective of the season. 

Tonight, Genoa arrive at San Siro, and coach Cristian Chivu wants no drop in intensity.

As highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908, “The Norwegians from the tiny, icy Bodø have shaken Inter Milan’s mind and heart. It is a dangerous psychological state that can only be overcome by fully reconnecting with the league.”

Chivu’s club had already publicly designated the domestic title as the main competition of the season, even before stretching their lead to +10 in the standings. Curiously, that gap over AC Milan widened just as the Coppa shock hit. 

On one hand, Inter Milan celebrated from afar as their city rivals slipped; on the other, they mourned the fading Champions League dream that had felt within reach only months ago.

The Nerazzurri campaign has unfolded along two parallel tracks. In Italy, Inter Milan have been ruthless, marching toward the Scudetto and aiming to add the Coppa Italia. 

In Europe, they have taken at least a couple of steps back compared to the heights of 2024–25, also missing out on roughly €20 million (£17 million approx.) projected in early-season budgets. In this context, securing a 21st league title before their rivals claim a 20th has become the fuel powering the engine.

No distractions before the Derby for Inter Milan

Before dismissing his squad until breakfast at Appiano Gentile, where pre-home match retreats have long been abolished, Chivu reiterated one clear message: it is not over.

The Scudetto remains to be won, despite a seemingly reassuring table. The path is still full of traps, and a moment’s distraction could allow rivals to close in. 

The timing of this match against Genoa, just before the derby, adds another layer of risk. A slip at home combined with a AC Milan surge could halve the advantage in an instant.

That is precisely the scenario the Romanian coach wants to avoid. No lingering despair from losing a prestigious trophy, but no euphoria either from the domestic run. Inter Milan must remain balanced, navigating between two opposing emotions.

Chivu wants his Italian Inter Milan to remain true to themselves: efficient, clinical, especially against smaller or mid-table sides. Since September, Inter Milan have collected a perfect record against such opposition.

After Genoa, the spotlight will shift to the derby against AC Milan, a rival the Nerazzurri have not defeated in nearly two years. 

The last triumph dates back to April 2024, the day that launched the run toward the second star.

Now, the mission is simple: protect the lead, defend the momentum, and keep the Scudetto dream firmly in their grasp.