Frank Christian
On Saturday, at Munich’s Allianz Arena, the head coach will guide Inter into their second UEFA Champions League final within three years against Paris Saint-Germain.
Throughout his four years in charge, Inzaghi has effectively built on Conte’s foundation, achieving his own success and distinguishing himself as a prominent figure in global football management.
As the final approaches, rumors suggest a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al Hilal. If he were to leave, it would be a significant blow to Inter and the broader Italian and European football scene.
Here’s all you need to learn about the Inter boss.
Simone Inzaghi Playing Background
Inzaghi launched his career with Piacenza, moving through various loan spells in Italy’s lower leagues before shining in Serie A during the 1998/99 season.
His impressive tally of 15 goals in 30 games led to a transfer to Lazio, where he became a key player in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s talented lineup. Lazio captured the domestic double in the 1999/00 season, and Inzaghi went on to lift the Coppa Italia twice more and the UEFA Super Cup in 1999.
He earned three caps for Italy, debuting as a substitute in a friendly versus Spain in March 2000, where he partnered with his brother in the attack. While Filippo Inzaghi had a more illustrious playing career, securing three Serie A titles with Juventus and AC Milan, he notably won two Champions League titles and netted both goals in the 2007 final against Liverpool.
After spending his later playing years on loan at Sampdoria and Atalanta, Simone Inzaghi hung up his boots in 2010 at the age of 34.
Simone Inzaghi Coaching Journey
Having dedicated most of his playing career to Lazio, Inzaghi began coaching within the club’s youth system. He ascended to the first team, initially as an interim coach, after Stefano Pioli’s dismissal in April 2016.
His short tenure as caretaker should have marked the end of his stint, but after the unexpected departure of Marcelo Bielsa just a week later, Inzaghi was appointed as head coach. Notably, they finished fifth and reached the Coppa Italia final, losing to Juventus, showcasing resilience amid dramatic change.
Lazio kicked off the 2017/18 season with a Supercoppa Italiana victory over Juventus, a title Inzaghi would replicate in December 2019, culminating in Champions League qualification after several close calls. His highlight came when Lazio defeated Atalanta 2-0 in the 2019 Coppa Italia final, solidifying his reputation in the competition.
After Conte departed from Inter amid concerns over ambition following their Scudetto triumph in 2020/21, the club recruited Inzaghi on a two-year contract. He quickly added to his trophy cabinet, securing another Supercoppa and Coppa, both against Juventus.
Despite the disappointment of losing the Serie A title to AC Milan in the 2021/22 season, Inzaghi’s team triumphed over their local rivals in a dominant Champions League semifinal. However, setbacks included a narrow defeat to Manchester City in Istanbul and finishing second again in the league to a formidable Napoli, highlighting a pattern of near misses for Inzaghi’s Inter.
The tide turned in the 2023/24 season as they achieved a remarkable 19-point lead over Milan, easing the pain of narrowly missing the title against Napoli, particularly with the prospect of eternal glory awaiting in Munich.
Simone Inzaghi’s Achievements
As a Player
Lazio
- Serie A Champion: 1999/00
- Coppa Italia: 1999/00, 2003/04, 2008/09
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2000
- UEFA Super Cup: 1999
As a Coach
Lazio
- Coppa Italia: 2018/19
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2017, 2019
Inter Milan
- Serie A Champion: 2023/24
- Coppa Italia: 2021/22, 2022/23
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2021, 2022, 2023
Simone Inzaghi’s Tactical Approach
Inzaghi strongly favors a 3-5-2 formation, which challenges the common negative stereotypes often associated with Italian football.
His Inter defense, led by the exceptional Alessandro Bastoni and seasoned Francesco Acerbi, demonstrated its strength during a thrilling Champions League semifinal against Barcelona that ended 7-6 on aggregate, proving their capability to withstand intense pressure.
Inter’s wing-backs Denzel Dumfries and Federico Dimarco contribute significantly to offensive plays, while a classic pairing of captain Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram is supported by a midfield rich with creative talent. Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan excel as playmakers rather than merely defensive players.
