Amid the fading twilight in Milan, Inter Milan illuminated San Siro with a jubilant celebration on Sunday, marking the culmination of their triumphant journey to the 20th Serie A title.
While Inter faithful had been reveling in their victory since last month, the players formally lifted the trophy after their final home fixture, a 1-1 draw against Lazio.
The milestone secured Inter a coveted second star, symbolizing their 20th Serie A triumph. Following the match, players donned special jerseys adorned with "20" and two stars, receiving their medals individually, with Lautaro Martinez emerging last, preceded by coach Simone Inzaghi.
In a symbolic moment, the Inter captain raised the trophy amidst cheers from the packed San Siro, accompanied by a backdrop of fireworks.
The players then paraded the trophy around the perimeter of the pitch, joined by their relatives and close acquaintances, who had been cordoned off in a designated area near the stage.
Among the attendees was Lilian Thuram, father of Inter forward Marcus Thuram, donning an Inter shirt with his son's name proudly displayed on his chest. Thuram, a former French World Cup winner, graced the Serie A with his defensive prowess at Parma and Juventus.
Musical performances by Tananai and Ligabue added to the festive atmosphere, despite lingering concerns over the club's financial stability. Reports suggest that Suning and Inter President Steven Zhang could relinquish control due to a pending debt of nearly 400 million euros ($434 million) to American investment fund Oaktree.
Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta addressed the issue, asserting the club's financial robustness and expressing confidence in the decisions of the Zhang family for the club's welfare.
Preceding kickoff, a spectacular choreography adorned San Siro, enveloping every section of the stands in celebration. One side of the stadium showcased two stars and the Scudetto symbol, while the opposing side displayed the proclamation "champions of Italy." The ends featured the Inter logo alongside the number 20.
Denzel Dumfries salvaged a draw for Inter with a late header from a free kick, after Daichi Kamada had earlier put Lazio ahead in the first half.
