Inter are preparing for a decisive stretch of their season with crucial matches approaching in Serie A and the Champions League, and the club has moved to remove any uncertainty regarding the future of manager Simone Inzaghi.
Despite recent disappointments, including a Coppa Italia semi-final defeat to city rivals AC Milan and a setback to their treble ambitions, Inter have decided to stand firmly behind Inzaghi. The club has confirmed that, regardless of how the final weeks unfold, Inzaghi will extend his contract beyond 2026, with an agreement already in place for a new deal running until 2027. There is also an option for an additional year, and his salary is expected to rise to €7 million annually.
The Nerazzurri leadership, including President Giuseppe Marotta, has shown full public backing for the coach, emphasising the importance of stability and long-term planning even amid recent setbacks. Inzaghi, determined to repay the faith placed in him, rallied his squad at Appiano Gentile earlier this week with an emotional team talk. He reminded his players that two major trophies, the Serie A title and the Champions League, are still within their grasp.
Support for Inzaghi has also come from outside the club. Former AC Milan coach and Italian football icon Arrigo Sacchi defended Inzaghi in La Gazzetta dello Sport, criticising the tendency for knee-jerk reactions in modern football.
“How can you criticise Inzaghi after what he has shown in recent seasons? It is absurd,” Sacchi said. “Fifteen days ago, after beating Bayern Munich, he was considered a genius. Now, after a couple of losses, he is suddenly viewed as incompetent? Football has become incomprehensible at times. Mistakes happen, even at Real Madrid.”
Sacchi also dismissed criticism surrounding Inzaghi’s squad rotation, insisting that managing player fatigue was necessary given the demanding schedule.
Inter v Roma: Key Clash in Title Race
Inter’s packed schedule continues on Sunday (in a match that was originally scheduled for Saturday evening) when they host Roma at San Siro. The league leaders are aiming to maintain their narrow advantage over Napoli at the top of Serie A. A win against Roma would also serve as the perfect springboard ahead of their crucial Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.
Inter boast a formidable home record, having won their last six Serie A matches at San Siro. They have scored at least two goals in eight of their last nine home league outings. Although they have conceded in five of those matches, their potent attack has often compensated for occasional defensive lapses. Marko Arnautović has been particularly decisive, scoring Inter’s opening goal before half-time in each of their last three home matches.
Roma arrive in Milan in impressive form. Claudio Ranieri’s side have turned around their season dramatically after a poor winter period that began with a 1-0 defeat to Inter. Since then, they have embarked on a remarkable 17-match unbeaten run in Serie A, with 12 wins and five draws. Their 1-0 victory over Verona last weekend moved them to within three points of a Champions League qualification spot.
However, Roma’s away record against top-half teams remains a concern. Despite their strong resurgence, they have not won an away league game against any of the current top ten sides, recording four draws and two defeats. Matías Soulé has been a standout performer for Roma on the road, scoring his team’s first goal in three of their last four away matches.
Hot Streak:
Roma have scored exactly once in each of their last five Serie A away games.
As Inter look to regain their winning momentum and Roma push to continue their unlikely charge towards a top-four finish, Saturday’s match promises high tension, quality football, and major implications in the Serie A title race.
