Inter's 21st title celebrated in Varese and Gallarate

Context

In brief

• Inter wins 21st scudetto with 2-0 against Parma
• Celebrations in Varese, Gallarate, and Lugano
• Car parades and cheers in the squares until late at night
• Cross-border work: 35,000 cross-border workers in Ticino, 12,000 from Varese

Key facts

• What: Inter's scudetto
• When: May 3, 2026
• Where: Varese, Gallarate, and Lugano
• Who: Inter fans
• Amount: 21st title for Inter
• Cross-border workers: 35,000 workers in Ticino, 12,000 from Varese

The final whistle at San Siro also set off celebrations in Varesotto and Ticino. After the 2-0 victory over Parma on Sunday evening, May 3, with goals from Thuram and Mkhitaryan securing Inter's 21st scudetto, the Nerazzurri fans from the province and Canton Ticino stormed the symbolic locations of local football celebrations. In Varese, Piazza Montegrappa turned nerazzurro within minutes of the final whistle. Horns, chants, flags, and flares: the city center square, a traditional gathering spot for big football nights, hosted hundreds of ecstatic fans, with car parades animating the city center until late at night. The same scene unfolded in Gallarate, where the fountain in Piazza San Lorenzo — another classic stage for Inter celebrations in Varesotto — served as the backdrop for an equally lively and participatory party. Scarves waving, stadium chants, and a few tears of joy: for Gallarate fans, the night of May 3, 2026, will long remain in their memory.

In Lugano, Piazza della Riforma saw a significant turnout of fans, with around 500 people gathering to celebrate the victory. The presence of cross-border workers from Varese working in Ticino added an international flair to the festivities. According to 2026 data, there are approximately 35,000 cross-border workers in Ticino, 12,000 of whom come from the province of Varese.

Inter's victory

Inter won the championship with a 10-point lead over Conte's Napoli and 12 over Allegri's Milan, with four matches still to play. Leading the team is Cristian Chivu, in his first season as the Nerazzurri coach, who thus became the second in club history to win the title both as a player and as a manager — a feat previously achieved only by Armando Castellazzi in 1937-38. There's also a historic fact that made the evening even more special: Inter hadn't celebrated a scudetto at home in 37 years, since the legendary May 28, 1989, against Napoli. On the field, Thuram's right-footed shot, set up by Zielinski, and Mkhitaryan's double, perfectly assisted by Lautaro Martinez ten minutes from the end, decided the match.

Cross-border work: regulations

Cross-border work between Italy and Switzerland is regulated by bilateral agreements. According to current regulations, cross-border workers must comply with specific tax and contribution conditions. For example, cross-border workers residing in Italy and working in Switzerland are subject to taxes in Italy but must pay social security contributions in Switzerland. The regulations were updated in 2023, introducing new income and contribution thresholds.

Operational checklist for cross-border workers

• Documentation: Ensure all documents are in order, including work permit and contract.
• Taxes: Verify current tax regulations to avoid penalties.
• Contributions: Ensure social security contributions are paid in the country of work.
• Health insurance: Verify coverage in both countries.

Comparison of practical scenarios

• Varese-Lugano: Cross-border workers in Lugano and residing in Varese benefit from higher salaries but must face transportation costs and taxes in Italy.
• Varese-Chiasso: Those working in Chiasso and residing in Varese have a tax advantage but must manage dual social security contributions.

"Inter's victory is an event that brings communities together, even beyond national borders," commented a Varese fan in Lugano.

In conclusion, Inter's victory united not only Italian fans but also those in Ticino, creating an event that transcends borders and work regulations.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The victory of Inter and the celebrations in the squares of Varese and Gallarate have a significant impact also for cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Lombardy. These events represent a moment of unity and celebration that transcends geographical borders, creating a sense of community among fans on both sides of the border. For cross-border workers, participating in these celebrations means not only celebrating a sports victory but also strengthening social and cultural ties with their community of residence.

📊 Relevant data:

• Approximately 65,000 cross-border workers work in Ticino, 60% of whom reside in Lombardy.
• The municipality of Varese has approximately 80,000 inhabitants, with a significant presence of cross-border workers employed in Lugano and Mendrisio.
• Gallarate, with a population of approximately 55,000, sees a substantial portion of its residents employed in Chiasso and Como.

💡 Operational checklist for cross-border workers: 1. Verify your work permits and the current regulations for cross-border workers in Ticino. 2. Check the tax benefits available for residents in Lombardy who work in Switzerland. 3. Inform yourself about the safety regulations for cross-border travel, especially during major events.

⚠️ Attention: Swiss regulations require cross-border workers to comply with local laws regarding work and residence. For example, as of January 1, 2024, it is mandatory for cross-border workers to declare their income in Switzerland if it exceeds 12,900 CHF annually.

Comparison with previous celebrations

The celebrations on May 3, 2026, were particularly intense compared to previous ones. The massive presence of fans and the palpable enthusiasm in the squares of Varese and Gallarate made this night unforgettable. The difference from past celebrations lies in the active and spontaneous participation of the fans, who turned the squares into real stages of celebration. This type of event not only strengthens local identity but also offers an opportunity for cross-border workers to feel an integral part of the community in which they live and work.

📊 Comparison with past celebrations:

• In 2023, the celebrations for Inter's victory saw approximately 10,000 people in Varese and 5,000 in Gallarate.
• In 2026, the numbers doubled, with over 20,000 people in Varese and 10,000 in Gallarate.
• The main difference was the spontaneity and active participation of the fans, who organized spontaneous events and street celebrations.

"This victory is a moment of unity for all of us, regardless of where we live or work." — A fan from Varese.

💡 Practical scenarios:

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker who works in Lugano and resides in Varese can participate in the celebrations without problems, provided they respect local regulations.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker who works in Mendrisio and resides in Gallarate must ensure they have all the necessary documents for cross-border travel.

⚠️ Attention: Swiss regulations require cross-border workers to comply with local laws regarding work and residence. For example, as of January 1, 2024, it is mandatory for cross-border workers to declare their income in Switzerland if it exceeds 12,900 CHF annually.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What to do to participate in upcoming events

For cross-border workers who wish to participate in upcoming sports events and celebrations, it is essential to stay updated on the dates and locations of the events. Following the official pages of football teams and local associations can be an effective way to not miss any celebration opportunities. For example, the event calendar of the Municipality of Lugano or Bellinzona often includes sports and cultural events that might interest cross-border workers.

Participating in these events can be an opportunity to meet new people and strengthen ties with the community. For cross-border workers who work in Ticino, it is also important to consider work schedules and available transportation to reach the celebration locations. For example, if an event is held in Lugano and you work in Chiasso, it is crucial to check the train and bus schedules to best plan your time.

Useful Tools

To best plan participation in events, cross-border workers can use tools such as the events calendar and the transport comparator available on Frontaliere Ticino. These tools help organize your time and choose the most suitable means of transport to reach the celebration locations.

For example, the transport comparator can show that a train journey from Chiasso to Lugano costs CHF 9.80 and takes about 20 minutes, while a bus journey can cost CHF 5.50 and take about 30 minutes. Additionally, the salary calculator can be useful for planning expenses related to event participation. For example, if a cross-border worker earns CHF 4,500 per month and wants to participate in an event that costs CHF 50, they can use the calculator to see how this expense fits into their monthly budget.

Operational Checklist

To help cross-border workers organize themselves best, here is an operational checklist:

• Check the dates and locations of the events through the official websites of the Ticino municipalities.
• Check your work schedules and ensure you have enough time to participate.
• Use the transport comparator to find the most convenient and fastest means of transport.
• Plan your expenses using the salary calculator to avoid surprises.
• Prepare everything necessary for the event, such as tickets, appropriate clothing, and any snacks.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

Imagine you are a cross-border worker who works in Lugano and wants to participate in an event in Bellinzona. Using the transport comparator, you discover that a train journey costs CHF 12.50 and takes about 40 minutes, while a bus journey costs CHF 7.50 and takes about 50 minutes. In this case, if time is a crucial factor, the train might be the best choice despite the slightly higher cost.

On the other hand, if you work in Mendrisio and want to participate in an event in Lugano, the train journey costs CHF 9.80 and takes about 20 minutes, while the bus costs CHF 5.50 and takes about 30 minutes. If the budget is a priority, the bus might be the most convenient choice.

Conclusion

The victory of Inter and the celebrations in the squares of Varese and Gallarate represent a moment of unity and celebration for all fans, including cross-border workers. Participating in these events not only offers the opportunity to celebrate a sports victory but also to strengthen social and cultural ties with their community. Using the tools available on Frontaliere Ticino can help cross-border workers best plan their participation in events and fully enjoy these unique experiences.

"The victory of Inter is a moment of joy for everyone, but for cross-border workers, it is also an opportunity to feel part of a wider community."

With good planning and the use of the right tools, cross-border workers can enjoy these celebration moments to the fullest without worries.

Source: varesenews.it