Simone Inzaghi is set to leave his role as head coach of Inter Milan after four years at the helm. The club and the Italian manager have mutually agreed to part ways following a meeting that took place days after the conclusion of the recent season. Inzaghi, who was appointed in the summer of 2021 to succeed Antonio Conte, departs after a tenure marked by significant domestic success.
During his time with the Nerazzurri, Inzaghi secured one Serie A title – the club`s historic 20th, which earned them the coveted second star – two Coppa Italia titles, and three Supercoppa Italiana trophies. He also guided Inter to the UEFA Champions League final in 2023, where they were defeated by Manchester City. Despite falling short of European ultimate glory, his six major trophies place him high in the club`s history books, just one behind legends Helenio Herrera and Roberto Mancini.
Reports indicate that Inzaghi is now poised to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Multiple sources suggest a lucrative three-year contract offer potentially worth around $50 million. He is expected to lead the Saudi side at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to be held in the United States.
Inter Milan confirmed Inzaghi`s departure with a statement on Tuesday. The club announced, “The paths of the Club and Simone Inzaghi are parting. This is the decision reached by mutual agreement following the meeting that took place a few minutes ago.” The statement praised Inzaghi`s tenure, remembering it as characterized by “great passion, accompanied by professionalism and dedication.” It highlighted the “Six trophies: one Scudetto, two Coppa Italia titles, and three Italian Super Cups,” emphasizing how these achievements “brought the club back to the top of Italian football” and contributed to securing the “Second Star.” The club also noted Inzaghi`s status as one of the coaches with the most matches managed for Inter, alongside historical figures.
Inter President Giuseppe Marotta commented on the departure, stating, “On behalf of our shareholder Oaktree and the entire Club, I wish to thank Simone Inzaghi for the work done, for the passion shown, and also for the sincerity in today`s discussion, which led to the mutual decision to part ways.” He added that such an “honest dialogue” is possible “only when you have fought together to achieve success day by day.”
Simone Inzaghi also released a statement published on the club`s official website. He expressed his farewell after a “four-year journey” during which he “gave my all,” dedicating his “first and last thought to Inter” daily. He thanked the players, management, and every club employee for their professionalism and passion. Inzaghi cited the six trophies won, including the “Scudetto of the Second Star,” and the team`s journeys in the UEFA Champions League (referencing both 2023 and the recent campaign) as tangible proof of his work supported by a shared vision with his staff and everyone at Inter.
Inzaghi extended his gratitude to the shareholders for their “unwavering trust” and to the President and collaborators for their “help and daily dialogue.” He described the discussion leading to the mutual decision to end the journey as “honest.” He concluded his statement by addressing the “millions of Nerazzurri fans” who supported the team through difficult moments and celebrated the six triumphs, saying, “I will never forget you. Forza Inter.”
Inter will now commence the search for a new manager to lead the club forward. Early reports suggest Como manager Cesc Fabregas and Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi are among the potential candidates. The club is poised to begin a new chapter following Inzaghi`s successful, albeit concluded, period in charge.
Simone Inzaghi`s Tenure at Inter
Upon his arrival in 2021, Simone Inzaghi had to navigate the financial challenges faced by Inter in the post-COVID era, which included the high-profile sales of Achraf Hakimi to PSG and Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea in his first summer. Despite these significant departures, Inzaghi managed to build competitive teams year after year.
In his first season (2021-22), Inter finished second in Serie A, losing the title on the final matchday. However, they won both the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana and reached the Round of 16 in the Champions League, where they were eliminated by eventual finalists Liverpool.
The second season (2022-23) saw Inter finish third in Serie A, but they again lifted the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana trophies. The highlight of the season was their run to the UEFA Champions League final for the first time since 2010, where they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City.
In his third and final full season (2023-24), Inzaghi guided Inter to dominance in Serie A, securing the 20th Scudetto comfortably well before the season concluded. They also won the Supercoppa Italiana for the third consecutive year. Their Champions League campaign ended in the Round of 16, losing to Atletico Madrid on penalties after a hard-fought tie.
