Inter's Euro coup cheers Suning

Inter Milan's return to the Champions League has soothed doubts over the club's Chinese ownership as chairman Zhang Jindong reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the Nerazzurri to former glories.

A dramatic 3-2 victory over Lazio saw Inter snatch the final Champions League qualifying spot from under the noses of its Rome rival on Sunday, sparking emotional scenes at Stadio Olimpico, with Zhang's son Steven pictured weeping on the sideline.

Suning Group, chaired by Zhang, spent $318 million to purchase the sleeping Italian giant in 2016. The Chinese retail conglomerate's initial cash injection yielded only a seventh-place finish last season, and in March speculation swirled that Suning might be looking to unload the club.

However, this season's fourth-place finish to end a six-year Champions League drought has provided a timely boost for the three-time European champion, whose last silverware was the 2011 Italian Cup.

"First of all, I want to congratulate you all for this great achievement!" Zhang said in a statement published on Inter's website.

"After six seasons, Inter has finally returned to the Champions League, the most prestigious competition in European football. We have waited a long time for this day and this result is the fruit of your constant work. Congratulations!

"Looking back over this season, we had a good start and then we experienced a difficult and less calm period that we were able to overcome thanks to your dedication and effort.

"With the desire to compete and win, we have reached our objective.

"This return to the Champions League is the first step, the start of a long road to tread together with the passion and confidence that the whole Nerazzurri family has shown."

Steven Zhang, who is also on the Inter board, echoed his father's sentiment.

"A promise is a promise. With commitment of all," the 26-year-old wrote on his Instagram account.

Meanwhile, the senior Zhang said Suning is already planning for the next campaign.

"Even though the Serie A competition has just finished, our work off the pitch continues, we are all already preparing for the next season," his statement said.

Tying down captain Mauro Icardi and manager Luciano Spalletti to new contracts are at the top of Zhang's to-do list.

Striker Icardi has reportedly been offered a one-year extension until 2022, worth $7 million per season plus bonuses.

The 25-year-old, who was controversially left off Argentina's World Cup squad despite tying for the Serie A scoring lead with 29 goals, currently earns $5 million and has a $125 million release clause that can be triggered until mid-July.

Spalletti, who arrived at Inter from Roma last June, has one year left on his two-year deal, but Zhang Jr told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport he is no doubt both men will be staying at San Siro.

"Will we renew with Spalletti? It's not even a question that has to be asked," he said.

"It's the same with Icardi."

AFP contributed to this story.