​Ciro Immobile believes Inter are the team to beat in Serie A next season, underscoring the upheaval among their closest rivals as the champions’ strongest advantage. Speaking to Noi Biancocelesti, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the former Italy striker, currently with Paris FC, stressed that continuity may prove decisive. He noted that while Inter appear to have settled quickly, their rivals are still in transition.
“I think Inter are the favourites. I’ve witnessed a lot of managerial changes recently, which creates a need to settle in, whereas Inter already appear well-drilled,” Immobile said. “Milan, Napoli and Juventus must gear up to challenge them.” That assessment rings true given the current landscape. Milan are starting anew under Ruben Amorim, Napoli have moved on from Antonio Conte to Massimiliano Allegri, and Juventus continue to construct their project around Luciano Spalletti. In contrast, Inter have kept faith with Cristian Chivu and the core that helped them secure the Scudetto, presenting a level of stability their pursuers cannot yet match.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 13: Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale celebrates after winning the Coppa Italia final match between SS Lazio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on May 13, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Immobile also weighed in on the vacant Italy head coach position, with speculation centering on Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini as the leading contenders. When asked to choose between them, he refused to split the two. “They’ve both done well. I remember how we performed at the Euros under Conte, especially after being drawn in a group with Spain and Germany,” he said. “Mancini’s side was the last Italy team to win major honours, leaving a memorable impression for the players of today.”
Having played under both managers with the Azzurri, Immobile is well placed to evaluate and his verdict offers little to separate two of the frontrunners who are now being considered to lead Italy’s rebuild. The reflections come at a time when Inter’s stability is juxtaposed with the ongoing, high-stakes reshaping of their domestic rivals, a dynamic that could influence the balance of power in Serie A next season. Immobile’s perspective, rooted in his firsthand experience with both Conte and Mancini, adds a nuanced take on why continuity and leadership might tip the scales in favor of the reigning champions as they prepare to defend their title.