Inter Milan Coach Simone Inzaghi: 'Forever Grateful to Lazio & Lotito'

Inter Manager Simone Inzaghi paid tribute to his Lazio past while celebrating his maiden Serie A title, also explaining why he opted to leave the capital club.

The 48-year-old spent the majority of his playing days with the Biancocelesti. Following his retirement, he started coaching the club’s youth ranks, before eventually taking over the first team as a caretaker manager following Stefano Pioli’s sacking in April 2016.

Inzaghi eventually became the permanent Lazio coach the following summer and enjoyed five largely successful campaigns. But in 2021, he opted to leave the nest and embark on a new career chapter with Inter who appointed him as Antonio Conte’s successor.

Last night, the Piacenza native finally won his first Scudetto title after beating AC Milan 2-1 in a historic edition of the Derby della Madonnina. But even in his most exuberant moment, he didn’t forget to mention his past at Lazio, paying tribute to his former employers during his interview with DAZN (via La Lazio Siamo Noi).

I’ll forever be grateful to Lazio, President Lotito and Sporting Director Tare who gave me the opportunity to start coaching.

At Lazio, we had done very well over the years. I remember the season that was suspended due to Covid when we were among the league leaders. We would have competed until the end; I don’t know if we would have won, but we would certainly have been dangerous because we were in great form.

The club wanted to continue its collaboration with me. I had a little voice on the inside telling me to stay and turn down Inter, but another voice told me I had to leave.

Inzaghi has now won six trophies with the Nerazzurri. In addition to his first Scudetto, he has collected two Coppa Italia trophies and three Italian Super Cups.