Inter Milan secured their 21st Serie A championship with a dominant 2-0 victory over Parma at San Siro on Sunday, marking their first home title celebration since 1989.
The Nerazzurri needed only a draw to clinch the trophy, but goals from Marcus Thuram and Henrikh Mkhitaryan ensured a commanding win, extending their lead to an unassailable 12 points over Napoli with three matches remaining.
Thuram and Mkhitaryan Seal the Deal
Thuram broke the deadlock just before halftime, curling an angled shot past Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The French striker was born in Parma while his father, Lilian Thuram, played for the club.
"Since I arrived at Inter, it's been a team that loves to stay together — on and off the field — and that's our strength," Thuram said.
Mkhitaryan, 37, doubled the lead in the 80th minute, converting a pass from Lautaro Martinez — who returned from injury as a substitute. The victory sparked fireworks and celebrations among the home faithful.
Chivu Celebrates Trophy Against Former Club
For first-year coach Cristian Chivu, the title was secured against the club he guided last season to help Parma avoid relegation. Chivu replaced Simone Inzaghi nearly a year ago and played for Inter during their 2010 treble-winning campaign under José Mourinho.
"(Chivu) did so well bringing fresh energy, enthusiasm," Lautaro said. "After four great years with Simone, perhaps we needed a change of scenery after that Champions League final. Chivu made sure everyone felt involved and could even train with a smile. That really helped."
Inter will face Lazio in the Italian Cup final in 10 days, while also looking to improve on domestic success following their Champions League playoff exit to Norwegian minnows Bodø/Glimt.
Barella Reflects on Season's Challenges
Midfielder Nicolò Barella, who led Italy's failed World Cup qualification campaign, acknowledged the squad's resilience.
"That's football and life. There are difficult moments," Barella said. "For example, last season we came so close to everything and won nothing. In life you've always got to get back up on your feet."
AC Milan and Juventus Face Champions League Spot Danger
Meanwhile, AC Milan and Juventus risk missing out on Champions League qualification.
Third-placed Milan suffered a 2-0 defeat at Sassuolo, playing with 10 men after Fikayi Tomori was sent off. Domenico Berardi opened the scoring before Armand Lauriente added a second. The loss was Milan's fourth in seven matches.
Christian Pulisic came on in the second half, extending his goalless streak to a career-high 17 league matches.
Juventus drew 1-1 at home against relegated Hellas Verona, with Dusan Vlahovic equalizing via a free kick — his first goal since October. The result leaves Milan 仅 two points ahead of fourth-placed Juventus, who hold a three-point buffer over fifth-placed Como.
Three Serie A rounds remain.