Simone Inzaghi has officially left his role as head coach of Inter Milan, just days after suffering a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. The departure, described as “by mutual agreement” in a statement by the club, ends a four-year tenure marked by domestic success but ultimate disappointment on the European stage.
The decision was reached following a meeting between Inzaghi and Inter officials on Tuesday. Club president Giuseppe Marotta praised the 49-year-old for his dedication, professionalism, and the “sincere dialogue” that led to the amicable parting.
“I would like to thank Simone Inzaghi for the work done, for the passion shown and also for the sincerity in the discussion that led to the common decision to separate our paths,” Marotta said. “Only when we have fought together to achieve success day by day can we have a frank dialogue like the one that happened.”
Inzaghi, who joined Inter in 2021 following a successful spell at Lazio, leaves the club having won six trophies: one Serie A title, two Coppa Italias, and three Supercoppa Italiana titles. However, his failure to convert strong European runs into silverware ultimately overshadowed his domestic achievements.
In a heartfelt farewell message, Inzaghi expressed gratitude to the club and its supporters. “The time has come for me to say goodbye to this club after a four-year journey, during which I gave everything,” he said. “I want to dedicate one last word to the millions of Nerazzurri fans who cheered me on, cried and suffered in difficult moments, and laughed and celebrated in the six triumphs we experienced together. I will never forget you.”
Inzaghi’s time at Inter peaked with two runs to the Champions League final. In the 2022-23 season, his side narrowly lost 1-0 to Manchester City in Istanbul. But it was the crushing defeat to PSG this past Saturday that seems to have hastened his exit. The 5-0 scoreline was the heaviest loss in a Champions League final in history, leaving fans and the club’s hierarchy questioning the team’s direction on the European stage.
Inter also narrowly missed out on the 2024-25 Serie A title, finishing just one point behind Napoli in what was one of the most competitive seasons in recent Italian football history.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Inzaghi has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, who will also be competing in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. The expanded tournament is set to take place in the United States from 14 June to 13 July, and both Inter and Al-Hilal are among the qualified teams.
If the speculation proves true, Inzaghi may find himself managing against his former club just weeks after departing.
The timing of the announcement leaves Inter with limited time to appoint a successor before the Club World Cup. The Nerazzurri’s involvement in the international competition could serve as a testing ground for whoever takes over next, as the club continues to chase the elusive European glory that has defined its recent ambitions.
While Inzaghi’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Inter’s modern era, it also signals the start of a new phase — one likely to be shaped by European ambitions and a desire to build on the foundations laid during his reign.
For now, though, both club and coach will go their separate ways — Inzaghi with memories of silverware and heartbreak, and Inter with the challenge of moving forward from one of their most emotionally charged finals in recent memory.
