Inter Milan are enjoying yet another successful season under Simone Inzaghi, and it could prove to be a historic one as they chase a second-ever treble.
Inter are the only Italian side in history to win a treble, having famously done so under Jose Mourinho back in 2010.
However, history could be about to repeat itself as the Italian giants currently find themselves still in all three competitions as we approach the business end of the season. Inzaghi has not shied away from the idea of his side winning the treble, and has revealed that it is the club’s ambition for this season.
So, let’s have a look at how Inter have done in all competitions this season and how realistic the chances of a second treble in the club’s history are.
Serie A
The Nerazzurri have enjoyed a strong campaign in the league this season, as they look to win two consecutive Scudetti. Currently, Simone Inzaghi’s side sit top of Serie A but, following a loss to an in-form Bologna side on Sunday, are now level on points with Napoli.
Inter have a tricky run of fixtures coming up and will play three games crucial to their season in just a week.
They are set to host AS Roma, who are currently on a 17-game unbeaten run, in between the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final and the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
Should Inter and Napoli be level on points following the final game of the season, there will be a play-off game between the two to decide who will be crowned as champions.
Coppa Italia
Inter have had a fairly straightforward Coppa Italia so far. After defeating both Udinese and Lazio 2-0 in the round of 16 and quarter-finals, respectively, they set up a two-legged clash with fierce rivals AC Milan in the semi-finals.
The first leg finished 1-1 thanks to a fierce strike from range by Hakan Çalhanoğlu against his former side, cancelling out Tammy Abraham’s opener.
They will play the second leg tomorrow, and Inter could be seen as the favourites due to them being the home side.
Should Inter progress, the final will be played on the 14th of May at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, where they will likely face Bologna, who are 3-0 up after the first leg of their semi-final against Empoli.
Champions League
The Italian champions have impressed in Europe this season and enjoyed a solid league phase, finishing 4th and losing just once.
They then comfortably got past Feyenoord in the round of 16, beating the Dutch side 4-1 on aggregate. They were then tasked with beating German giants Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals in what proved to be a thrilling tie.
After a superb second leg performance, Inter progressed to the semi-finals, winning 4-2 on aggregate. The Nerazzurri will now face Barcelona in the semi-finals, and the winner will play either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the final in May.
Is the treble realistic for Inter?
Despite their chances looking good, it is still going to take a monumental effort from Inter to complete a second treble in the club’s history. The Nerazzurri have a tricky run of games coming up and will not have much rest in between matches.
Here are their remaining games this season:
- April 23rd, Milan (H)- Coppa Italia Semi-Final Second Leg
- TBC, AS Roma (H)- Serie A*
- April 30th, Barcelona (A)- Champions League Semi-Final First Leg
- May 3rd, Hellas Verona (H)- Serie A
- May 6th, Barcelona (H)- Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg
- May 11th, Torino (A)- Serie A
- May 14th, TBC (N)- Coppa Italia Final**
- May 18th, Lazio (H)- Serie A
- May 25th, Como FC (A)- Serie A
- May 31st, TBC (N)- Champions League Final**
*Date subject to change due to the funeral of Pope Francis
**Should Inter qualify
As the fixture list shows, it is going to be a brutal final stage of the season for Inter, regardless of whether they can reach the final of the Champions League and Coppa Italia.
When accompanied by the fact that Inzaghi’s side have injuries to key players, such as Denzel Dumfries and Marcus Thuram, and have looked noticeably tired in recent games, it is not unreasonable to suggest that a treble might be a step too far this season.
However, despite some recent performances being below par, Inter have still shown their desire and outstanding quality in games and should not feel disheartened after tasting defeat against Bologna.
According to Opta’s predictions, the Nerazzurri are still the favourites to win Serie A despite their recent slip-up, opening the door to Napoli.
Inter are also placed as the second favourites, behind Arsenal, to win the Champions League this season in Opta’s projections, with a 25.5% chance.
While it is too early to say for sure whether Inzaghi can replicate Jose Mourinho’s historic achievement, there is more than enough evidence this season that shows that Inter are capable of producing performances and results when required.
Therefore, Inzaghi repeating the accomplishments of 15 years ago and winning a second treble in the club’s history may appear to be a big ask, but Inter have shown that they are one of Europe’s best.
Should they achieve their goals of the treble, then it would be a fair reflection on both the quality and commitment of the team and the outstanding ability of Inzaghi as a manager.