Inter Milan’s Hidden Heroes: Rising Stars in the Shadows of Legends

After Inter Milan clinched the Serie A title by defeating AC Milan, the team’s manager, Piero Ausilio, found himself in an unfortunate situation. While sprinting from the stands to join the on-field celebrations, he suffered a calf injury. During the championship celebration, Ausilio humorously remarked, "My injury? The season is over, and I’ll be resting for two months. The medical team told me, of the entire season, you're the one with the most serious injury." This statement highlighted one of the key reasons for Inter's success this season: the lack of significant injuries to their core players.

La Gazzetta dello Sport praised Inter’s coaching staff, especially fitness coach Matteo Ripert, whose contributions were emphasized repeatedly by head coach Simone Inzaghi after winning the title. The Italian media pointed out that Ripert, though not a household name, is one of the top fitness coaches in Europe and is considered among the elite in his field.

This season, many Serie A teams have struggled with injuries. AC Milan, for example, had long periods where 6-7 players were absent, with some core players missing large parts of the season. Ismaël Bennacer, crucial to their strategy, has started only nine games this season. Juventus faced similar challenges, with key players like Arkadiusz Milik and Federico Chiesa suffering multiple injuries. Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli were sidelined for extended periods due to doping and gambling suspensions. Napoli, Roma, and other teams also dealt with significant injury problems.

In contrast, Inter Milan managed to maintain relatively good health among their players. Although they had some long-term injuries, such as those to Stefano Sensi and Juan Cuadrado, these were lingering issues from the previous season rather than new problems. Most other players, whether starters or substitutes, remained in good physical condition throughout the season. Marcus Thuram, for instance, who had suffered nine injuries over the past two seasons in the Bundesliga, including three or four major ones, only missed ten days in February due to injury. His total playing time this season (3074 minutes) has been the highest in his career, and the season isn't over yet.

There were exceptions, such as Carlos Augusto, whose absence was noted during Inter’s elimination by Atletico Madrid. However, this minor injury to a non-essential rotation player underscored how Inter’s relatively injury-free season contrasted with their rivals. Fans speculated that if key players like Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez, or Nicolò Barella had been sidelined at critical moments, the season might have turned out very differently.

The solid work of Inter’s coaching staff, led by Ripert, deserves recognition. His story is quite romantic. According to Italian media, Ripert first met Inzaghi in 2000 when Lazio won the Serie A title. Over the years, their roles evolved from strangers to colleagues, comrades, and close friends. The bond between them is their shared dream: despite winning numerous Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana titles, they had never secured a Serie A or Champions League title until now. Their combined efforts have finally brought them a historic league title, marking a significant milestone in their 24-year journey together.

This narrative also highlights Inter’s knack for nurturing “unsung heroes.” After Inter’s last title win, Antonio Conte and world-class fitness coach Antonio Pintus received widespread praise. However, some pessimists worried that their departure would leave a void at Inter, much like how the search for “the next Zidane” at Real Madrid yielded no immediate results after Zidane's retirement. Critics argued that Ripert, who succeeded Pintus, would inevitably fail because he wasn't as renowned. These doubts turned out to be unfounded.

Two years later, both Inzaghi and Ripert have proven that they are not overshadowed by their predecessors. During the championship celebration, Benjamin Pavard's exuberant dance stood in stark contrast to the fate of his predecessor, who languished on the bench at PSG, criticized as an epic flop by Parisian media and fans. Inter’s story of resilience and success, despite losing high-profile figures, continually unfolds. This demonstrates to all fans that while past greatness is undeniable, it does not preclude successors from achieving their own glory.

Inter Milan excels at transforming capable but lesser-known individuals into celebrated figures. Over the decades, numerous examples of such transformations have occurred within the club. This tradition of elevating “second-class citizens” to stardom is one of Inter’s unique qualities.

Inter’s relative success in avoiding injuries this season is a testament to the exceptional work of their medical and coaching staff. The careful management of players like Thuram and the overall health of the squad have been crucial to their triumph. While other teams grappled with constant injury woes, Inter’s stability in this regard was a decisive factor in their championship run.

In addition to physical fitness, the psychological and tactical preparation provided by Inzaghi and his team played a significant role. The seamless integration of new players and the ability to maintain a consistent performance level throughout the season were testaments to the meticulous planning and execution by the coaching staff.

The recognition of Ripert’s contributions is not just a nod to his technical expertise but also to the camaraderie and shared vision he has with Inzaghi. Their journey from acquaintances celebrating Lazio’s title to key figures in Inter’s historic triumph embodies the essence of dedication and perseverance in professional sports.

As Inter fans look back on this successful season, they can take pride in knowing that the club’s triumphs are built on a foundation of teamwork, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every member of the organization. The future looks bright for Inter Milan, not just because of the trophies they’ve won but because of the solid, supportive environment they’ve cultivated, allowing both well-known and emerging talents to flourish.

The narrative of Inter Milan’s success this season extends beyond the pitch. It reflects a culture of inclusivity and recognition that values every contribution, big or small. As the club continues to build on this foundation, the legacy of this season will be remembered not only for the titles but for the stories of determination, growth, and unity that defined it.