Inter Celebrates Double, Sends Trophy to Departing Players, and Makes a Gift to Relegated Team

• 17 May 2026 | 18:00

Inter and Verona drew 1:1 in the penultimate round of Serie A, a match that held little significance for the final standings. Inter had secured the league title two rounds earlier, while Verona was relegated to the second division. The match was a celebration for Inter, marking their double success with a trophy presentation and a symbolic gesture to Verona.

Christian Kuivu made significant changes to Inter’s starting lineup, fielding mostly players with expiring contracts who may not be re-signed. The lineup featured goalkeeper Jan Sommer, defenders Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi, midfielder Matteo Darmian, and attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The rest of the team included defender Carlos Augusto, midfielder Luis Enrique, and Andy Diouf. Verona’s attack was led by Thomas Sulcow and Kieran Bailey.

The stadium showcased a memorable tifo display before the match, with the fans’ choreography culminating in the “Curva Nord,” where the club initials FCIM were displayed on the Italian flag, and a long banner read: “The boys are champions again.” The southern stand featured the word “double,” with symbols for the Serie A title and the Italian Cup, which Inter won that month.

Inter’s club prepared a special program. Laoutaro Martinéz carried the trophy from the recent Cup final, and the players unfurled a large banner on the pitch, showing Inter’s new total of Serie A titles: 21. A giant banner with the words “Champions of Italy” and the national flag was also displayed. The match began with a tribute to the late club legend Evaristo Becalossi.

The match started with a dynamic pace, but after a 15-minute lull, Inter took the lead. A corner kick led to a header from Ange-Joël Boni, which deflected off Andreas Edmumdson and into the net, scoring an own goal. Laoutaro attempted to double the lead but was thwarted by Lorenzo Montipo. Inter missed a second goal when Mkhitaryan’s blocked shot allowed Laoutaro a close-range shot, but the goalkeeper saved it.