SBOTOP : Inter Milan Were Written Off Now They’re Rising From the Ashes

Inter Milan are entering the new season with a clear mission: defend their dominance in Serie A and prove that their painful Champions League defeat has not broken them.

The Nerazzurri suffered a devastating 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. The result was difficult to absorb and immediately raised questions about Inter’s future.

Some believed the defeat could mark the beginning of a decline.

Hakan Calhanoglu sees it differently.

The Turkish midfielder believes Inter’s strong mentality, experience and unity have allowed the team to recover from one of the most difficult nights in recent club history. Instead of falling apart, Inter are determined to use the disappointment as motivation.

After winning Serie A and the Coppa Italia last season, the Italian giants now want more. Their domestic ambition remains clear, while the Champions League provides another opportunity to rewrite their European story.

Inter Refuse to Let PSG Defeat Define Them

The Champions League final was supposed to be the biggest night of Inter’s season. Instead, the 5-0 defeat against PSG became one of the most painful moments in the club’s recent history.

The scoreline was particularly difficult because of Inter’s reputation as one of Europe’s most competitive sides.

Calhanoglu admitted that many people expected the Nerazzurri to struggle after the defeat.

“Everyone thought that Inter, let’s say, were dying after what happened,” Calhanoglu told beIN Sports Australia.

But the midfielder insists those predictions underestimated the character inside the dressing room.

The key, according to Calhanoglu, is Inter’s ability to respond when things go wrong.

“This team has a strong mentality. Every time we have a difficult moment or situation, we respond,” he explained.

That mentality could become one of Inter’s biggest strengths again this season.

Experience Gives Inter an Important Advantage

Inter are not a team built overnight.

Several players in the squad have experienced major victories, difficult defeats and high-pressure European matches. That experience can be extremely valuable when a team faces adversity.

Calhanoglu himself has become one of the senior figures within the group.

He has spent five years at Inter and has experienced a significant transformation during that period. The club has won multiple trophies while regularly competing at the highest level in Europe.

That history gives Inter a foundation that cannot be erased by one disappointing result.

The Nerazzurri can now use that experience to focus on the next challenge.

Their priorities are clear:

1. Defend the Serie A title.
2. Continue competing for domestic trophies.
3. Build a stronger response in the Champions League.
4. Maintain unity inside the dressing room.
5. Use the PSG defeat as motivation rather than a source of doubt.

For Calhanoglu, Inter’s reaction after the final is proof that the squad remains hungry.

Cristian Chivu Brings a Different Approach

Another major change at Inter is on the touchline.

Cristian Chivu replaced Simone Inzaghi as head coach and inherited a squad with high expectations. While Chivu did not arrive with extensive experience as a senior manager at the highest level, he has already made an impression on the players.

Calhanoglu believes one of the biggest differences is Chivu’s approach to personal relationships.

The midfielder explained that Chivu focuses not only on football but also on how players feel away from the tactical side of the game.

“With Chivu now, something is different. He cares more about the person, not football. What is more important is how you feel, and he is open to everything,” Calhanoglu said.

That approach could prove important during a long and demanding campaign.

Chivu Wants Players to Feel Comfortable

Modern football managers are expected to handle tactics, fitness and match preparation. However, managing personalities can be just as important.

According to Calhanoglu, Chivu has created an environment where players feel comfortable discussing issues beyond football.

“Outside football, he is like a brother or a friend. You can always talk to him about anything,” the midfielder added.

That relationship could help Chivu build trust within the dressing room.

Inter have a squad containing experienced leaders and players with different personalities. Keeping everyone motivated throughout an entire season will be essential.

If Chivu can maintain that connection while implementing his tactical ideas, Inter could become an even more united team.

Serie A Dominance Remains the Main Target

Despite the Champions League disappointment, Inter have no intention of changing their domestic ambitions.

The Nerazzurri won Serie A and the Coppa Italia last season, establishing themselves as one of the strongest teams in Italy.

Calhanoglu believes the objective remains straightforward.

“The goal is always to continue dominating the league. I have been here for five years, winning eight trophies and reaching two Champions League finals,” he said.

Those numbers underline the success Inter have achieved during his time at the club.

The challenge now is maintaining that level.

Serie A remains fiercely competitive, with several clubs attempting to challenge Inter’s position at the top. The Nerazzurri will therefore need consistency rather than relying solely on individual quality.

Inter Still Believe in Italian Football

Calhanoglu also remains confident about the strength of Serie A.

The midfielder believes Italian football continues to improve and deserves to be considered among Europe’s strongest domestic competitions.

For him, Serie A belongs in the top three leagues in Europe alongside the Premier League and La Liga.

That belief reflects Inter’s broader ambition.

Winning in Italy is important, but the club also wants to prove that Serie A teams can compete consistently at the highest level in Europe.

Inter’s recent Champions League runs demonstrate that possibility, even though the final defeat against PSG remains a painful reminder of how difficult European football can be.

The Nerazzurri Have Something to Prove

Inter Milan’s story heading into the new season is not about forgetting the PSG defeat.

Instead, it is about responding to it.

The 5-0 loss exposed weaknesses and created doubts, but it also gives the Nerazzurri extra motivation. Calhanoglu’s comments suggest that the players are not hiding from what happened.

They are using it as fuel.

With Chivu bringing a different style of leadership and a squad that already knows how to win trophies, Inter have the ingredients to remain a major force in Italy.

The Scudetto will once again be a primary target, while the Champions League represents unfinished business.

Everyone thought Inter were finished after that painful night against PSG. The Nerazzurri now have an opportunity to prove exactly why that judgement was premature.