Vieri: ‘Inter start as favourites for the Scudetto, the others further behind’ | OneFootball

Christian Vieri has made it clear that he feels Inter are still the favourites to win the Serie A title following their league and cup double in 2025-26, and says that the Nerazzurri should be aiming to go all the way in the Champions League as well heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

Vieri expects ‘great things’ from Inter in 2026-27: ‘Favourites for the Scudetto again’

Inter kick off their 2026-27 Serie A campaign with a visit from the nearby Monza on August 22 but must first face Milan and then Juventus in a pair of pre-season friendlies over the course of the next week.

Then, Cristian Chivu and his players will attempt to defend their Serie A title and Vieri believes that they are the favourites to claim the Scudetto once again.

Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Nerazzurri striker said: “Inter aren’t just being born this summer, they’re already there, it’s a very strong team. To me, it feels like a super team. And they’ve already signed Stones, who is a top-level player and will bring another boost in defence: Experience, quality, a winning mentality.”

Vieri was asked what Nerazzurri supporters should expect from the team heading into the 2026-27 season, to which he replied: “Great things.”

He continued: “Let’s see how the rest of the window goes, but right now, Inter start as favourites for the Scudetto again. That’s the only way it can be.

“I could also see Napoli doing well because they have a good group and have brought in a good coach in Allegri. The others, though, are further behind. I’ll be able to be more precise in September.”

And what about the job that Cristian Chivu has done since being appointed head coach just over a year ago?

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, poses for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Cristian should be applauded,” said Vieri. “He’s proved that he is prepared as a coach and that he’s an intelligent person. He’s understood how to awaken the pride of the champions that were wounded by that Champions League final defeat against PSG/ Inter needed somebody like that to react.

“In Italy, they really dominated while also playing beautiful football. There will be a bit of pressure from now on because it’s never easy to go back-to-back. But Chivu is used to managing stress, even as a player, and he will have no issues.”

Is there a risk that Inter could slip up in Serie A if they focus too much on the Champions League?

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 17: Players and staff of FC Internazionale Milano pose for a photo with the Coppa Campioni d’Italia and Coppa Italia trophies following the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Let’s get this misunderstanding straight,” Vieri replied. “If you play for Inter, you want to win every game and therefore all possible titles. When you enter San Siro, you don’t even think about the opponent in front of you that much. You just think about doing your best to not disappoint the 75,000 people who pay to see you every week.”

Is there any room for improvement in the Inter camp after claiming the domestic double last season?

Vieri says: “It’s a mentality thing. After winning two trophies, you have to go out there the following year and think that you can win three. The shirt you wear demands that from you.”