Fast-forward to 2nd May 2021: following Inter’s win versus Crotone, Atalanta had to beat Sassuolo to still be in with a chance of doing the unthinkable and snatching the crown from Inter’s grasp. But history was soon confirmed.
After Atalanta drew 1-1, Inter had sealed its first Scudetto in 11 years.
The significance of the title win resounded in Italy, ending Juventus’s nine-year reign at the top of Serie A. Ironically, the dynasty which Conte had helped to establish at Juventus was toppled by his Inter side. The title win was a complete team triumph. Romelu Lukaku scored 24 league goals, forming an impressive partnership with 17-goal Lauturo Martinez, coined ‘LuLa’ by the media. Nicolo Barella won plaudits for playing the Italian-invented ‘mezzala’ role – that of a wide-drifting central midfielder – with perfection. Ivan Perisic, transformed from a midfield player, and Hakimi were both key to Conte’s wing-back system. Conte’s typical three-man defence was equally formidable, conceding a league-best 35 goals. Indeed, mid-season tactical changes underlined Conte’s status not just as one of Italy’s best managers, but also one of the best in world football.
"Siamo noi! Siamo noi! Campioni d’Italia, siamo noi!” Car horns beeping, drums beating, flares erupting, Inter fans descended on Milan’s Piazza del Duomo to mark a famous Scudetto win. As with most things in football, however, celebration was short-lived. Inter’s cash-strapped ownership forced Conte’s hand, as the Italian tactician stepped down from his managerial role just three and a half weeks after the title triumph. A summer of change saw Lukaku leave for Chelsea and Hakimi swap Milan for Paris. Simeone Inzaghi was appointed to fill the gaping void left by Conte.
The importance of Inter’s title win, however, will be long-lasting. The tide was turned to serenade the beginning of a more competitive league: with Juventus’s domination broken, AC Milan and Napoli now look to challenge for top spot as Inter defends its title. Conte’s tactical legacy also remains intact in the foundations of Inzaghi’s current Inter team. As recent history has shown, Inter fans may have to wait a while before seeing their team be victorious again. For now, though, last season’s Scudetto triumph for Inter remains etched in Serie A history.
”Siamo noi! Campioni d’Italia, siamo noi!” How Inter MILAN Claimed a Historic Scudetto Triumph