Four Pieces of Good News Boost Inter Milan's Perfect Lunar New Year: Is the Title Already in Hand? Actions Focus on the Future

In the 84th minute of Juventus' match against Udinese, with the scoreline reading 0-1 against them, Juventus decided to make a change. They substituted the impressive and lively Cambiaso for 20-year-old Leonardo Cerri, who had never played in Serie A before. This decision was met with a cacophony of boos from the Allianz Stadium in Turin, signaling a critical shift. Just weeks ago, fans were fervently chanting "Police and Thief" in support of Allegri, but now, many Juventus supporters seem to have lost hope in the title race. This raises a significant question among millions across the Italian Peninsula: With the mindset of the top two teams shifting dramatically, does Inter Milan already have one hand on the trophy?

A Cautious Celebration for Inter

It's premature for Inter Milan to start celebrating. Despite Juventus' recent struggles, Inter still faces considerable challenges. Firstly, Inter's postponed match is against a revitalized Atalanta, a team much stronger than they were in the first half of the season. Securing those three points is not guaranteed. Secondly, excluding the postponed match, the season is only 24 rounds in, and a lead of 7-10 points (depending on the rescheduled match outcome) provides Inter with a margin of error for about 2-3 games. However, with 14 matches left, translating to a potential 42 points, this lead is far from decisive.

Moreover, Inter must compete fiercely in the Champions League, driven both by financial necessity and the high expectations of their fans. As the strongest team in Serie A, Inter's supporters naturally have elevated hopes. For a club of Inter’s stature, excelling in top-tier competitions is almost instinctive. Juventus, on the other hand, has no European commitments this season. Thus, while Juventus' recent defeat grants Inter a bit more breathing room in the league, it does not mean the title race is over. As the Italian media puts it, Inter's "Chinese New Year" joy is doubled.

Interestingly, the use of the term "Chinese New Year" by Italian media and Inter's official channels has sparked some discontent among South Korean fans, who questioned why it wasn't referred to as "Korean New Year." But such reactions only add to the festive atmosphere.

The Chain Reaction

The current situation has had ripple effects for both Inter and Juventus. Despite publicly stating their goal of finishing in the top four, Juventus harbored strong aspirations for the title. This intense desire, while a powerful motivator in good times, can lead to negative consequences during tough periods. The boos from the fans are just one aspect. Allegri's position as head coach is now in question. Just weeks ago, many fans were clamoring for Allegri to stay indefinitely, but now "Allegri Out" is trending in Italy. Allegri, who previously taunted Inter with elaborate jibes, now finds himself under immense pressure and unable to continue his antics.

Juventus CEO Giuntoli’s post-match comments were ambiguous: “We hope to continue with Allegri, but let’s discuss it at the end of the season.” Giuntoli had previously been a staunch supporter of the coach, but this conditional support marks a change in stance. As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport and other media, with Juventus collecting only one point from their last three crucial matches, Inter seems to be edging closer to their 20th title.

While Italian media’s hype won't have Inter popping the champagne just yet, it does allow them to face upcoming challenges with a bit more confidence. The past 24 hours have brought several pieces of good news for Inter, beyond just Juventus' defeat.

1. No Continued Suspension for Inzaghi

Firstly, the FIGC has decided not to investigate Simone Inzaghi's "mysterious call" during the Inter-Roma match. This means that Inter’s coach won't face an extended suspension for Friday’s league game, allowing him to manage the team from the sidelines. Inzaghi’s presence will be crucial for making real-time decisions, especially as Inter looks to rotate their squad ahead of crucial Champions League fixtures. This is a significant boost for Inter as they prepare for a tough European encounter.

2. Transfer Market Moves

Secondly, transfer market experts like Romano have highlighted Inter’s discreet but active moves to finalize the signings of Taremi and Zielinski. Both deals are reportedly near completion, adding valuable experience and depth to the squad. While some fans might underrate these prospective new arrivals, securing seasoned Serie A veterans and Champions League-level players without a substantial transfer budget is a positive step. As Inter’s CEO Marotta has emphasized, significant summer sales might become the norm due to financial constraints. Hence, bringing in fresh talent to maintain a competitive edge is essential, whether during prosperous times or financial hardship.

3. Progress on New Stadium

Another piece of good news is the progress on Inter’s new stadium in the Rozzano area, despite the recent efforts of Milan's Mayor Sala to retain both AC Milan and Inter at their current venue. Inter's CFO Antonello reaffirmed the club's commitment to the new stadium project, with construction expected to begin by the first half of 2025 and completion targeted for the 2028-29 season. Modeled after Tottenham’s new stadium, this facility promises to be a state-of-the-art venue. Winning the 20th title this season would significantly bolster the club’s efforts to attract investors and secure loans for the stadium project.

4. Positive Momentum for Fans

Lastly, these developments have allowed Inter fans to enjoy their Lunar New Year celebrations with added joy. The chain of positive events has created a wave of optimism among the Nerazzurri faithful.

In summary, the combination of Juventus’ struggles, no further suspension for Inzaghi, promising transfer activity, and the progress on the new stadium has created a buoyant atmosphere around Inter Milan. These factors have not only brought joy during the Lunar New Year but also set the stage for a potentially successful future. Here’s to hoping that Inter’s dreams come true and wishing everyone a prosperous Year of the Dragon.