FC Internazionale Milan president Massimo Moratti received an extra special birthday present on Saturday when the Nerazzurri were crowned Italian champions for the 17th time following AC Milan’s 2-1 loss to Udinese which secured the Nerazzurri the title.
José Mourinho’s side are seven points clear of their city rivals, who have only two matches remaining, and will be able to celebrate in front of their fans when they host AC Siena on Sunday. Without playing, the Nerazzurri won their fourth Serie A title in a row on the day Moratti celebrated his 64th birthday. “I want to thank Milan for this gift,” said Moratti. “I didn’t expect it; they’ve been really generous.”
After the disappointment of being eliminated in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League by finalists Manchester United, Inter can take some consolation from the fact they have now equalled the Rossoneri’s haul of titles. “I expected to celebrate the Scudetto on Sunday, but to win it on my birthday is wonderful,” added Moratti, whose father Angelo was president of the club between 1955 and 1968. “I’m happy that the name of my family is bound to the story of this club and I want to dedicate this title to my father.”
The Beneamata had gone 17 years without a league championship prior to their success of 2006, but winning has now become a habit. After three titles under the tutelage of Roberto Mancini, this is the first under Portuguese trainer Mourinho, who adds to the two Liga titles he won with Porto and the same number with Chelsea. “We changed our coach but kept winning,” continued Moratti. “It wasn’t easy to remain motivated after winning so much; I have to thank Mourinho. He is used to winning back-to-back titles so I hope he will do the same with us now.”
