Inter’s Champions League Joy Must Now Make Way for Serie A Mission

TDT | Manama

Email: hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Inter Milan may still be basking in the glory of a thrilling Champions League semi-final victory over Barcelona, but their Serie A title ambitions leave no time for celebration. Simone Inzaghi's side edged past the Spanish giants 7–6 on aggregate thanks to a dramatic extra-time winner from Davide Frattesi at San Siro, sealing their spot in the final against Paris Saint-Germain.

It’s the second time in three seasons that Inter have reached the Champions League final — a testament to the depth and resilience Inzaghi has instilled. But with leaders Napoli just three points ahead in the Serie A table, the Nerazzurri must now recalibrate and focus on retaining their domestic crown.

With Torino up next on Sunday, Inzaghi is expected to rotate heavily, just as he did after the first leg against Barcelona. Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, both nursing recent injuries, could make way for Marko Arnautovic and Joaquín Correa, while Frattesi is tipped for a rare league start after his heroics from the bench.

"We don’t choose between the league, the Champions League, or the Coppa Italia — we fight on all fronts," Inzaghi declared after the win.

Pressure is mounting on both ends. A win for Inter would temporarily leapfrog Napoli, who host Genoa later in the day. With Genoa safe from relegation but out of contention, Napoli are expected to respond — despite a mounting injury list, including midfielder Stanislav Lobotka and defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Juan Jesus.

Meanwhile, Scottish duo Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay are expected to anchor Napoli’s midfield, with the latter enjoying a breakout season in Italy, matching Romelu Lukaku with 12 goals across competitions.

As the Scudetto race tightens, Inter’s Champions League fairytale must become fuel — not a distraction — in the final weeks of a fierce campaign.