Napoli, fourth Scudetto. The city in celebration after the 2-0 win over Cagliari. Inter win but not enough

The embrace is there, but not the kind you would expect among the raucous fans of happiness. It is a restrained embrace, a little cold, that does not show great affection, but only mutual esteem. The truth must also be told: if Conte has been the deus ex machina, president De Laurentiis has been the great architect of a project on which, 12 months ago, no one would have bet a penny. In this night of love, with the Maradona gone mad, the president, while also guaranteeing healthy budgets, has managed to hit a new target, the last of a journey that began 21 years ago. From time to time, it has also taken a few blips - such as the post-Spalletti thud - but has then brilliantly managed to climb the slope again. 'If Conte wants to continue, we will be happy with us. But it's not an obligation,' De Laurentiis points out with notarial scruples that are not exactly auspicious. In the city of song and smile, Adl is not a monster of sympathy. Patience, nobody is perfect.

'It is the most beautiful Scudetto precisely because it is the most unexpected,' emphasises captain Di Lorenzo, a pillar of the defence, who was strongly desired by Conte. True, Napoli were not by far the strongest team in this championship, as was the case last year for Inter and two years ago for Spalletti's Neapolitans. However, Napoli, unlike Inter, excelled in suffering and sweat, working better on their frailties. Without Kvara and Osimhen, and with a no longer explosive, but important Lukaku (14 goals), Conte strengthened the defence by promoting Buongiorno to the central pivot of a four-man line that only conceded 27 goals, the best defence in the league.

With an attack that was not exactly explosive (59 goals, a negative record for an Italian champion team), Conte was adept at giving the midfielders licence to score. And here stands out like a giant the Scot McTominay (12 goals), a decisive man even in the last act in a last-gasp final in which there was no lack of braking and fears. "My most inspiring victory, we did something incredible," repeated Conte.

There is a lot of anger at Inter. That emerged even after the easy win over Como (0-2, Devrji and Correa), like a rancorous lump that cannot be appeased despite the upcoming Champions League final with Paris Saint Germain.

Beyond the façade appreciations, messages and formal compliments to Napoli, a bad feeling broods among the Nerazzurri: that of having missed another opportunity, which seemed within reach as it did with AC Milan in 2022. More than looking at Napoli, who were good at working on their frailties, Inter should ask themselves what their limitations were in a season where it would not have been impossible to make the dream of the Champions League coexist with that of a new Scudetto.

With a more well-equipped and tested squad, this was the season to be at our best. Instead, the blackouts were many. A long list of wasted chances. Starting with the 2-2 draw with Lazio in the last game at the San Siro. It is useless to keep blaming the referees, the Var and cynical and baroque fate. The impression is that Napoli, when they were on the ropes, were able to grit their teeth more, probably thanks to Conte's fierce pressure. Instead, Inzaghi's team, especially in the league, had too many breaks. Even more guilty if they thought they were the best.

Now comes the most difficult week for Inter. The one before the final on 31 May in Munich. We have to get over the disappointments, put behind us a period of ups and downs that must be managed with lucidity and steady nerves. There is a great goal in front of us, but we must get there with the strength and serenity of those who, behind us, have no regrets.