What’s Next For Inter Milan? A Tactical Look At The 2025/26 Season

Inter Milan’s 2024/25 season was a campaign of contrasts, marked by domestic consistency but European disappointment, and ultimately punctuated by a major managerial shift.

On the positive side, the Nerazzurri confirmed their status as one of Serie A’s top sides, finishing as runners-up in the league while reaching the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia and contesting the Supercoppa Italiana final.

Offensively, the team thrived at times, with Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram spearheading a potent attack that produced memorable results, including a 6-0 demolition of Lazio.

Yet the season’s defining low point came in Europe, where defensive vulnerabilities and tactical inflexibility were brutally exposed in a 5-0 Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

This result not only underscored the need for structural adjustments on the pitch but also catalyzed a significant change off it: the departure of Simone Inzaghi and the appointment of Cristian Chivu as head coach. Chivu’s arrival signals a new tactical era, emphasising dynamic attacking play and high pressing, and represents both a fresh opportunity and a period of transition for the squad.

Squad composition also played a major role in shaping the c ampaign. Departures of experienced players, including Juan Cuadrado, Davy Klaassen, and Alexis Sánchez, left gaps in depth and leadership, while new arrivals offered promise but required time to integrate.

Maintaining balance—between defensive solidity and attacking fluidity, between experienced campaigners and emerging talent—emerged as a central challenge, one that will carry over into 2025/26.

Looking ahead, Inter’s focus is clear: consolidate their domestic strengths, address the weaknesses that cost them in Europe, and ensure that the squad can adapt tactically under Chivu’s new leadership. Last season’s highs and lows provide both a blueprint and a warning, setting the stage for a campaign where ambition and pragmatism must go hand in hand.

Tactical Evolution

Inter Milan enters the 2025/26 season under new leadership following the departure of Simone Inzaghi following the 5-0 Champions League final defeat at the hands of PSG.

The club has appointed Cristian Chivu as head coach, marking a significant shift in the managerial landscape. Chivu, a former Inter defender and member of the 2010 treble-winning team, brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the club. He previously managed Parma, guiding them to Serie A safety, and also achieved success with Inter’s youth teams, winni ng the Primavera league title in 2022.

Chivu’s tactical philosophy emphasises a dynamic and fluid style of play. He has shifted Inter from Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 to a more attacking 3-4-2-1 setup, giving offensive players greater freedom and encouraging vertical, high-tempo play. A high-pressure mentality is central to his approach, aiming to regain possession quickly and maintain balance across all phases of play.

The goals for the 2025/26 season under Chivu are ambitious. While the club didn’t announce specific targets, there is a clear focus on competing strongly in both Serie A and European competitions.

Chivu aims to build on the team’s strong defensive foundation while introducing a more aggres sive, adaptable, and collective style of play.

The appointment has been met with a mix of optimism and cautious anticipation. Fans and pundits are encouraged by Chivu’s deep club ties and tactical vision, though some remain wary of his limited top-level managerial experience. Still, the hope is that his fresh approach can rejuvenate the squad and sustain Inter’s competitiveness throughout a demanding season.

New Additions & Departures

The summer 2025 transfer window brought a mix of confirmed moves and high-profile rumours for Inter Milan.

Confirmed Signings: Inter added Petar Sučić, a versatile midfielder from Dinamo Zagreb, to strengthen the engine room of the team. Luis Henrique, a pacey Brazilian winger from Olympique de Marseille, joins to add more creativity and width.

Returning from loan spells, Zi nho Vanheusden bolsters the central defence, while forwards Ange-Yoan Bonny and Eddie Salcedo provide depth and competition in attack.

Departures: Inter said goodbye to Nicola Zalewski, who moved to Atalanta, and Joaquín Correa, who joined Botafogo. Veteran defender Francesco Acerbi is also attracting interest from La Liga. These exits may impact defensive stability and attacking rotation early in the season.

Transfer Rumours: Speculation continues around Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who has been linked with a return to Turkey but is expected to stay at Inter. The club has been monitoring Manu Koné from Roma and goalkeeper Andre Onana as potential reinforcements later in the window.

Challenges Ahead

Inter Milan faces a demanding 2025/26 season, navigating both domestic and European competitions while integrating new players into Cristian Chivu’s system.

Serie A is more competitive than ever, with Napoli looking to defend their title, AC Milan aiming to challenge for the top spots under Massimiliano Allegri, and Juventus rebuilding under Igor Tudor. Inter will need consistency, tactical flexibility, and squad rotation to stay in the hunt for the Scudetto.

In Europe, the lessons of last season’s 5-0 Champions League final defeat to Paris Sa int-Germain are still fresh. Advancing past the group stages and deep into the knockout rounds will require sharper defensive cohesion and a more dynamic attacking approach.

Chivu’s high-pressing, vertical style will be tested against technically skilled European sides, making every decision—from formation tweaks to player rotation—critical.

Fixture congestion is another challenge. Key clashes, including the Derby della Madonnina and early-season encounters against top-tier teams like Atalanta and Napoli, could set the tone for the campaign. Injuries, suspensions, and fatigue will all play a role, and maintaining focus in the most intense stretches of the season will be vital.

Even with these pressures, Inter remain an attractive proposition for fans and analysts alike. The team’s capitulation at the tail end of the 24/25 season have lengthened Inter’s odds for success this season, and punters can place a bet online if they believe there are brighter days ahead for the Nerazzurri under Chivu. 

Ultimately, the Inter’s success will depend on blending experience with new talent, tactical adaptability, and resilience across a packed calendar.

Competitors in Serie A have undoubtedly strengthened over the summer. Hence, we shall see whether Inter will be able to keep up, especially considering the wholesale changes at the club following the Champions League final.