Inter’s Title Defence: Can Cristian Chivu Build a New Nerazzurri Dynasty? | OneFootball

Cristian Chivu defied expectations in his first full Serie A season as a manager, guiding Inter to their 21st Scudetto in 2025/26. However, it’s been nearly a decade since the last reigning champion defended the title, highlighting the magnitude of the task awaiting the Nerazzurri in the season ahead.

In addition to becoming only the fourth coach in modern Serie A history to win the crown before turning 50, Chivu inspired Inter to their first domestic double since 2010. However, the San Siro giants are gearing up for a transitional summer, with several first-team stalwarts already gone and several others expected to leave in the coming weeks.

While Inter prepare for a summer of sweeping changes on and off the pitch, fans following every development across multiple devices should note that the ExpressVPN download page has installers for every platform. With dedicated apps across all major operating systems, fans can follow Inter’s title defence and European campaign seamlessly from virtually any device.

Personnel Changes

Denzel Dumfries’ transfer to Real Madrid has left a gaping hole on the right wing, with Inter still unable to find a suitable replacement. After failing to sign top target Marco Palestra, they pulled the plug on Anan Khalaili’s arrival from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise due to an alleged fitness issue.

Therefore, Beppe Marotta remains in the market for a new right-back. Further reinforcements are expected in the defensive department now that Inter have waved goodbye to long-serving veterans Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi, and Stefan de Vrij. They left the club as free agents upon the expiry of their contracts.

Despite three high-profile defensive departures, Inter could lose another star as Real Madrid and Al-Hilal continue to keep close tabs on Alessandro Bastoni. The sought-after center-back’s reputation took a series of hits at the start of the calendar year, making his stay in Italy almost impossible.

On the incoming front, prodigious midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic has returned to San Siro. The 20-year-old enjoyed an impressive breakout season at Club Brugge, convincing the defending Serie A champions to bring him back to base for a reported fee of €23 million.

Beginner’s Luck or Dawn of a New Era?

Inter didn’t just win the title last season; they bent Serie A to their will. Chivu’s men swept aside reigning holders Napoli in a one-sided race, leaving Antonio Conte’s side 11 points behind in one of the most dominant domestic runs in recent memory.

For further perspective, Inter bagged a league-high 89 goals, at least 24 more than second-placed Como. Indeed, they were firing on all cylinders, netting at least twice in 71% of their league outings (27/38).

Replicating that level of dominance will be the real test, with history suggesting successful title defences in Serie A are easier said than done. With Milan frantically strengthening their squad and Roma coming into their own under Gian Piero Gasperini, Inter should also expect a much sterner challenge from their domestic rivals next season.

The question now is whether Chivu’s remarkable maiden campaign in charge of the Nerazzurri was the start of a new dynasty or simply a perfect storm unlikely to be repeated.