Former Inter and Napoli manager Rafael Benitez has shared his belief that the Nerazzurri have what it takes to secure a historic treble this season. Despite a tightly contested Serie A race, with just three points separating the top three teams, Inter remain strong contenders across all competitions.
Simone Inzaghi’s squad is among seven European clubs still in contention for a treble, which includes winning their domestic league, domestic cup, and the Champions League. However, with the latest round of the UCL underway, that number is set to decrease. Inter are the only remaining Italian team in the Champions League and have demonstrated remarkable defensive stability in the tournament.
Leading the Serie A Race & Coppa Italia Challenge
Currently, Inter lead the Serie A table with a slender one-point cushion over Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, with 11 matches left in the 2024-25 campaign. Their title hopes remain under constant threat from Atalanta and Juventus, who are also in the hunt for the championship.
In addition to their league ambitions, Inter are on course for Coppa Italia glory. They will meet arch-rivals AC Milan in a two-legged semi-final, though their recent record against the Rossoneri is less than ideal—suffering two defeats and a draw in their past encounters this season. Despite these setbacks, they remain favorites to win the domestic cup.
Defensive Strength & Squad Depth Key to Success
Benitez, who briefly managed Inter in 2010, is confident that Inzaghi has assembled a squad capable of securing multiple trophies. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he highlighted key factors that make the team a serious treble contender.
“They are leading the league, even if Napoli, Atalanta, and Juventus are strong challengers. They also have the advantage in the Coppa Italia, despite the difficulties of facing Milan in the semi-finals. Moreover, their Champions League form has been outstanding, showing remarkable consistency,” Benitez explained.
He further pointed out two crucial signs of Inter’s strength. “First, they rarely allow their opponents to score. Their defensive setup is so solid that teams struggle to get shots on target. Conceding just one goal in the Champions League proves their resilience. Second, even with key players like Dimarco, Çalhanoğlu, and Mkhitaryan missing, the team’s level of play remains high, showing impressive character.”
Benitez also praised the team’s attacking power, joking that having Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez leading the line is like starting every match with a goal or two already secured.
