Inter Milan's fourth successive Serie A title was celebrated outside the city's famous Duomo, but the triumph masked an underwhelming season. Jose Mourinho's side clinched the title on Saturday when city rival AC Milan lost 2-1 to Udinese and left it an insurmountable gap in the standings. Inter doesn't play until Sunday, against Siena.
The championship drew Inter level with Milan on 17 titles, but Juventus was still out front with 27. There was little disputing the season wasn't stellar for Italian football, reflected by Inter facing no challenge for top spot for the last four months.
Juventus was still rebuilding in its second year back in Serie A, whilst AC Milan was clearly past its sell-by date and badly in need of reinforcements and fresh blood, especially in defence. As expected, Mourinho's first season in Italy was not without controversy. Early on he clashed with Juventus boss and his Chelsea predecessor Claudio Ranieri and became embroiled in an ugly row with Catania director Pietro lo Monaco.
The Portuguese coach was frequently on the wrong side of the Italian media, which was unaccustomed to his abrasive and forthright style. It was his players who felt his wrath more than anyone else though. Ibrahimovic at times appeared to be the only creative outlet and despite criticism from Inter fans, his 21 goals this season showed his worth to the team. After dispensing with Mancini and Quaresma, Mourinho built the midfield around Esteban Cambiasso, with captain Javier Zanetti to his right, Sulley Muntari to his left and Dejan Stankovic at the point behind Ibrahimovic and whomever was paired with him in attack. Inter scraped through the Champions League group stages then started the second round against Manchester United with a 0-0 draw at home, only to lose the return leg 1-0 at Old Trafford. Mourinho was brought in primarily to end Inter's wait for the Champions League, a drought going back to 1965.
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