A grueling schedule awaits Inter Milan, but the League lead matters most

Champions League playoffs could stretch the calendar, yet Inter Milan’s momentum is crucial

If Inter Milan are forced to go through the Champions League playoffs to reach the round of 16, the number of matches will quickly pile up. The schedule would become unforgiving. Still, the current pace could allow the Nerazzurri to extend their lead in the league standings.

As recalled by Corriere della Sera via Fcinter1908, Inter Milan depart today for Dortmund with minds crowded by calculations and concerns. 

The Champions League represents an uphill road, but also a potential threat to the Scudetto race, draining energy and confidence if not managed carefully.

Should Cristian Chivu’s side fail to qualify directly for the knockout stages of Europe’s top competition, achieving it would be close to a minor miracle, the workload before the March 8 derby would become immense.

A tour de force before the derby and a Scudetto to defend

In that scenario, Inter Milan would be facing an exhausting stretch: five Serie A matches, three European fixtures and, if they overcome Torino in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, two more cup ties. 

Ten matches in just 39 days. A true marathon. Six intense weeks, with only one free window to train and recover.

Many games, all to be approached with the right mindset, but with an unshakable belief that the Scudetto remains the primary objective. The lead must be defended, protected and possibly expanded, especially since the calendar offers opportunities.

Inter Milan still show a few shadows, such as a defense that is not always impenetrable and a certain discomfort in direct clashes. 

Yet in this early part of 2026, the leaders have accelerated decisively, pushing AC Milan five points back and Napoli, the most feared rival, nine behind, level with AS Roma.

The situation could further improve on the road to the clash with Allegri if Chivu’s men continue to be ruthless against teams in the lower half of the table.

So far, Inter Milan have won 11 out of 11 against such opponents. Two more await immediately, away trips to Cremonese and Sassuolo. 

Potential traps, yes, but also clear opportunities. After Juventus, there will be two more manageable fixtures: Lecce away and Genoa at San Siro.

The coach is doing the math. This is the moment to press down on the accelerator. The team’s play has improved and the numbers offer reassurance. 

The league leaders’ guiding light is their attack: 50 goals scored, more than any other side. AC Milan and Juventus, third in this ranking along with Como, sit at 35.

Much of that output comes from the “fantastic four,” responsible for 26 goals, more than half of Inter Milan’s total production. A heavy schedule looms, but the engine is running hot.