Inter Milan president Steven Zhang believes the club have established themselves among Europe’s elite again and is targeting a 20th Serie A title this season.

The Nerazzurri reached the final of the Champions League last season, losing 1-0 to Manchester City in Instanbul, finished third in the league and won the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup.

Simone Inzaghi’s side have started this season in fine form, sitting top of Serie A and unbeaten after three Champions League games.

“We are here to take stock of the 2022/23 season together,” Zhang said at Inter’s shareholders’ meeting.

“Obviously this takes us back to those thrilling nights that led us all the way to the Champions League final in Istanbul – Inter back at the top, starring on the most prestigious stage in the world.

“We came close to a feat that everyone deemed impossible, competing with the best in the world showing that our team can match any opponent.”

Zhang admits Italian clubs are facing challenges from abroad, including a new threat from the Saudi Pro League, but is confident that they are on the right path to achieve more success.

The 31-year-old also has his sights on adding a second star to the shirt by winning their 20th Scudetto – Italian clubs get one star for every 10 league titles they have won.

“This season we have also realised that our ambition does not stop here. The path we must take together lies before us,” Zhang added.

“Spring 2023 saw three Italian teams competing in European finals, giving rise to the ‘Calcio is Back!’ slogan. Italian football clubs have immense potential, and every effort is required to realise this.

“We are facing strong competition from old and new rivals alike. We have to deal with the sudden growth of the Saudi Pro League and at the same time manage financial competition with big European leagues, such as the English Premier League.

“I am proud to have steered Inter in a positive direction together with all our staff and players. Inter is now once again one of the top clubs in Europe representing of millions of people around the world.

“Winning is always our priority. We will fight to earn that second star for our fans and to enter into the history books of this club forever.”

Inter confirmed three-year contract extensions for key directors Giuseppe Marotta, Piero Ausilio and Dario Baccin on Friday.

Sporting chief executive Marotta, chief sport officer Ausilio and his deputy officer Baccin were set to see their previous deals expire at the end of the season.

The trio will continue to operate under president Steven Zhang until at least June 2025 after the technical team agreed fresh terms, having overseen a period of success on the pitch.

Inter secured their first Scudetto in 10 years last season as head coach Antonio Conte guided the Nerazzurri to a dominant Serie A title triumph.

His successor, Simone Inzaghi, has Inter second in Serie A this season, a point behind local rivals Milan, who have played a game more.

Reports in Italy suggest a new deal for midfielder Marcelo Brozovic could soon follow the announcements of new contracts for the three directors, with the Croatia midfielder set to sign new terms to keep him at the club until June 2026.

Inter next face Sassuolo in the league on Sunday as they look to step up their pursuit of leaders Milan.