Milan won the scudetto in a season that saw the club go through ups and downs, while Inter were relegated to the last day of the 2021/22 Serie A, with Bologna's victory closing the championship in favor of their rival. Coach Stefano Pioli, who led the Rossoneri to the title victory, emotionally recalled the key moments of his career, both at Milan and Inter, during an interview with Corriere dello Sport.
Pioli began by talking about the value of the Milanese triumph, defining it "the apotheosis of our journey". According to the coach, the success strengthened the ties with the players, who still contacted him for birthday wishes, demonstrating the solidity of the relationships within the Milanello area. He also underlined the importance of the support of key figures such as Ricky Massara and Paolo Maldini, elements who contributed to the club's stability.
Regarding Inter's defeat, Pioli explained when he understood that the title would be taken away by his rival. “When we won in Rome against Lazio, the energy we put on the pitch made us believe that we could really have a winning season,” he declared. This trust was a determining factor in Milan's success in the race for the Scudetto.
The role of Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a focal point of the discussion. Pioli highlighted how the arrival of the Swedish player and defender Kjaer in January changed the team's mentality. “Zlatan is a characterful and physical leader who has raised the level of training and attention,” he explained. He also praised Simon, the midfielder who, despite being quieter, was able to establish a direct dialogue with his teammates, making the coach's work easier and contributing to the overall success.
Finally, Pioli underlined the importance of having players with strong personalities within a team. “The job of a coach is easier when there are personalities like those of Zlatan and Simon,” he concluded, highlighting how their presence made the conquest of the scudetto easier. With the season concluded, Milan prepares to consolidate its position in Serie A, while Inter will analyze the weaknesses that led to the loss of the title.