When the infamous match-fixing scandal rocked Italian football at the start of the current season, and almost overshadowed the Azzurri's wonderful World Cup 2006 triumph, Inter Milan were declared last season's Serie A champions following severe sanctions imposed on Juventus and AC Milan. But despite being labeled with the illustrious tag; 'Champions of Italy', as a result of the scandal, the Nerazzuri fans did not feel the glory of an exploit achieved by their own players, so they expected nothing less than a 'clean' title this season. The season started with Juve relegated to Serie B and Milan hit with a 8-point penalty, and with the two Serie A powerhouses suffering dearly from the impact of the scandal, everyone expected a comfortable campaign for the Nerazzuri. But to be honest and give the champs the credit they deserve, it is fair to say that they made it look easy. Winning a trophy like the Serie A, five weeks before the end is an appreciative achievement, beating UEFA Champions League finalists, Serie A giants and bitter city rivals, Milan, twice is another notable result, and also losing once in as many as 35 games, is a historic fact. Also keeping a massive 30-point gap with the Rossoneri is another significant statistic to the credit of the Nerazzuri, vindicating the fact that Milan's excuse for the 8-point penalty is no more a valid claim. Perhaps the only black point which marred Inter's Calcio campaign and denied a 'complete Scudetto', was that shocking 3-1 home defeat by AS Roma in the game which the Nerazzuri fans were preparing for a long night of celebrating a famous Serie A title at San Siro. However, just four days later, Roberto Mancini's men registered a 2-1 away victory over Siena 2-1, Roma lost with the same score line at Atalanta, the dream come true, Inter were crowned champions of Italy, and the Roma defeat was just history. Since the beginning the Nerazzuri had the profile of a champion. Roberto Mancini's team produced some impressive displays and record-breaking runs this season which proved their supremacy in one of the world's toughest competitions, including the unbelievable 32-match unbeaten streak, dramatically shattered by Roma at the end. The young tactician should also get some credit after leading the club to such an outstanding achievement despite having a short six-year experience managerial career. "It is an immense feeling because the squad played an exceptional season. And to win with five rounds still to go is truly extraordinary," commented the 42-year-old Mancini after the decisive Siena game. Grande Ibra's effect Inter's board led by Italian billionaire Massimo Moratti, were smart enough to reinforce their squad with some quality imports, as not only have Inter ripped Juve of their Serie A title last season, but they also captured two major signings from the Bianconero, who had to sacrifice key players Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Patrick Vieira for the Nerazzuri. Despite Vieira's injury hit season, being sidelined for most of the campaign, but 'Grande Ibra' did the job for his new team, leading his team's goal scoring charts and hitting some important goals, including one crucial goal in each of the two Milan derby wins this season, ending 4-3 and 2-1. The Swedish marksman described himself as the 'lucky charm', speaking after this season's achievement with his new team. "I won with Ajax, with Juventus and now Inter,” said Ibrahimovic. "As I said when I got here – wherever I go, I win." However, Inter will face a more genuine challenge next season, when all the big guns will be ready for an intense Serie A contest. Juve and Milan seeking redemption from their miserable season, Roma trying to improve their status, and Inter looking to prove their worth of being champions.
