Inzaghi's stock rises as Inter lift Serie A title

Simone Inzaghi claimed his place at football management's top table after sealing the first Italian Serie A title of his coaching career in the Milan derby.

Inter Milan's Scudetto is easily Inzaghi's biggest honor since winning it as a player with Lazio 24 years ago, and comes after three years of off-field turbulence and serious financial problems for the club.

Compared to his elder brother Filippo, the 48-year-old Inzaghi had a lower-key playing career with a modest goal record and a single league title.

He had been seen as a cup specialist before this season as he had won three Italian Cups and five Italian Super Cups since 2016. But he pushed Inter to their 20th league crown, beating city rivals AC Milan to a second star on their jersey.

"We have had a good run this year but it's a victory that has been a long time in the making," Inzaghi said.

He is one of five Serie A managers to collect 100 wins or more.

Inzaghi arrived at Inter after Antonio Conte's exit and the sales of Romelu Lukaku and Achraf Hakimi. However, in stark contrast to Conte, he folded in cheap replacements rather than complain.

And before the season Andre Onana was sold to Manchester United in a 57 million-euro (HK$477 million) deal. Yann Sommer, Bayern Munich's reserve 'keeper, was brought in, while Benjamin Pavard slotted into Inter's three-man defense.

Meanwhile free transfer Marcus Thuram struck up a partnership with Lautaro Martinez.

Inzaghi's ability to adapt and get the best out of a changing cast of players has been a hallmark of his reign.