Inter Milan took a massive stride towards the Serie A title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Cagliari at San Siro, but the post-match focus was as much on mentality as the result. Defender Stefan de Vrij echoed teammate Nicolo Barella's sentiment that last season's painful lessons are fueling their current charge.

Despite a stellar campaign last year, Inter finished without a trophy—a bitter experience that De Vrij says has forged a sharper, more determined squad. "He was right," De Vrij stated, backing Barella's assessment. "Last year we had an excellent season without winning anything. We realized something more was needed." That "something more" appears to be a relentless winning mentality, with the Nerazzurri now agonizingly close to a 21st Scudetto.

When asked about the team's resilience, the Dutch international pointed to the collective character within the dressing room. "It depends on the character of the players. Many of them know what it means to play here and have transmitted that winning mentality," he explained, highlighting the intangible drive that powers a title challenge. This mindset was crucial in a match where, by his own admission, Inter faced first-half difficulties before pulling away.

With the finish line in sight, De Vrij's message was one of focused determination. "The objective is getting closer but it is not finished," he cautioned. His eyes, however, are on a bigger prize, adding, "We can still win two trophies and we will do everything to make it happen." For Inter, the hunger born from past disappointment is now their greatest strength.